Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from her duties on Tuesday amid an ethics investigation into a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen.
This is after a group of 36 senators filed a petition accusing Paetongtarn of dishonesty and violating constitutional ethics.
The call, recorded on June 15, sparked public outcry after Paetongtarn was heard addressing Hun Sen as “uncle” and seemingly criticizing the Royal Thai army following a deadly border clash that killed a Cambodian soldier on May 28.
The 38-year old PM could also be heard telling Hun Sen that she was under “domestic pressure” and urged him not to listen to the “opposite side,” referring to an outspoken northeast Thai army commander.
Lastly, she reassured the former Cambodian leader: “wants anything, he can just tell me, and I will take care of it.”
Paetongtarn, after the decision, said she accepts the verdict and that her intention “was truly to act for the good of the country.”
“I also want to apologize to all my fellow Thais who may feel uneasy or upset about this matter,” she said in a press conference.