Thailand's Political Turmoil: Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amidst Ethics Probe

The Constitutional Court of Thailand has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, pending an ethics investigation concerning a leaked phone conversation with a senior Cambodian leader. This decision follows growing dissatisfaction with her handling of border disputes with Cambodia, which culminated in a deadly confrontation.

Paetongtarn has been given 15 days to present her defense, while public protests erupt over her perceived appeasement strategies towards Cambodia. In response to the suspension, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit is anticipated to assume her duties, though an official confirmation is yet to be made.

Earlier, King Maha Vajiralongkorn sanctioned a cabinet reshuffle in light of a key party's departure from Paetongtarn's coalition. This political upheaval underscores tensions within Thailand's royalist establishment, with the Constitutional Court playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)