The Constitutional Court has accepted a petition filed against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and has suspended her from duty over a recent phone call with Cambodian strongman, Hun Sen.
The petition was filed by a group of 36 senators, who accuse her of gross ethical misconduct and dishonesty in connection with the call.
The Court unanimously agreed to accept the petition, has notified the petitioner and ordered Paetongtarn to submit her defence within 15 days of receiving a copy of the petition.
The Court also ruled, by a 7-to-2 majority, to suspend her from performing her duties as prime minister, effective immediately and until a final decision is reached.
In the Court’s statement, issued after the ruling, it was noted that the petitioners submitted the complaint against Paetongtarn following the circulation of an audio clip on June 18, featuring a conversation between her and Hun Sen.
The clip was broadcast by the media and Paetongtarn later confirmed at a press conference that the voices heard during the clip were indeed hers and Hun Sen’s.
She stated that it was a private phone conversation, intended as a form of soft diplomatic negotiation, to maintain peace and protect Thai sovereignty.
The petitioners argue, however, that her actions were negligent and a were a failure of her official duty, including the absence of clear measures or direct accountability in conducting foreign negotiations, which are expected of a prime minister.
They further allege that her conduct stemmed from a personal and one-sided relationship with Cambodia and that she appeared to be prepared to be overly compliant with Cambodia’s demands.
Additionally, in her interactions with Thai military commanders, whom she reportedly viewed as adversaries, she is alleged to have acted without integrity and in serious violation of ethical standards.
