Thailands Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from workplace pending an investigation over a dripped phone call with a previous Cambodian leader.The judges voted all Tuesday to take the petition implicating her of a breach of principles, and voted 7 to 2 to suspend her from duty.Paetongtarn has actually faced growing frustration over her handling of the current border dispute with Cambodia, involving an armed conflict on May 28 in which one Cambodian soldier was eliminated.
The leaked call while she participated in diplomacy over the border dispute set off a string of complaints and public protests.Paetongtarn said Monday she would accept and follow the court procedure although she didnt want to see her work interrupted.
If you ask me whether Im anxious, I am, she informed reporters.Earlier Tuesday, King Maha Vajiralongkorn had endorsed a Cabinet reshuffle required when a significant celebration left Paetongtarns coalition government over the dripped phone call.The reshuffle changed previous Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, which had actually held several Cabinet positions in her government.Paetongtarn also faces examinations over a supposed breach of principles by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, whose choice could also lead to her removal.Outrage over the call mainly revolved around Paetongtarns remarks towards an outspoken local army leader and her perceived attempts to appease Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen to relieve tensions at the border.Thousands of conservative, nationalist-leaning protesters rallied in main Bangkok on Saturday to require Paetongtarns resignation.Source: AP-- Agencies