Court suspends Thailand’s prime minister to investigate a leaked phone call – CBS17.com
by: JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, Associated Press
Posted: Jul 1, 2025 / 09:31 AM EDT
Updated: Jul 1, 2025 / 09:33 AM EDT
Paetongtarn’s suspension raises the possibility of renewed instability in Thailand, a still fragile democracy that has suffered several similar bouts of uncertainty. At the root of much of that were concerns from the conservative establishment, including the military, that the political dynasty started by Paetongtarn’s father, the popular but divisive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was growing too powerful.
She is the third member of her family to hold the prime minister’s office — and the third to face the possibility of removal before her term ended. Thaksin was removed from office in a 2006 coup and driven into exile, while his sister, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawtra, was removed by a court order in 2014, followed shortly after by a coup.
This “recurring cycle of political instability” would likely keep repeating unless Thailand goes through a genuine democratic reform that includes limiting power of unelected institutions, said Purawich Watanasukh, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University in Bangkok.
“Without such foundational reforms, any government, regardless of who leads it, will remain vulnerable to the same forces that have repeatedly disrupted Thailand’s democratic development,” he said.
Growing discontent
The suspension also comes at a time when the country is facing an economic slowdown and growing discontent with Paetongtarn and her Pheu Thai party, in general, with critics saying her government’s performance has been underwhelming.
The judges voted unanimously Tuesday to review the petition accusing her of a breach of the ethics, and voted 7-2 to immediately suspend her from duty as a prime minister until a ruling is given. The court gave Paetongtarn 15 days to give evidence to support her case.
After the court order, Paetongtarn said that she would accept the process and defended her actions.
“I only thought about what to do to avoid troubles, what to do to avoid armed confrontation, for the soldiers not to suffer any loss,” she said.
Fallout from leaked call
She also apologized to people upset over the leaked call and left the Government House shortly after.
Suriya Jungrungruangkit, who is a deputy prime minister and a transport minister, will take charge as acting prime minister, said Chousak Sirinil, minister of the prime minister’s office.
Earlier Tuesday, before the court suspended Paetongtarn, King Maha Vajiralongkorn had endorsed a Cabinet reshuffle after a major party left the government coalition over the leaked call.
In the reshuffle, Paetongtarn also received the position of culture minister, in addition to prime minister, though it’s not clear if she can take the oath to take up that role.
In the call about the border tensions, Paetongtarn could be heard urging Hun Sen — a longtime friend of her father — not to listen to a Thai regional army commander who had publicly criticized Cambodia about the border dispute, and called him “an opponent.”
Thousands of conservative, nationalist-leaning protesters rallied in central Bangkok on Saturday to demand Paetongtarn’s resignation.
Paetongtarn also faces separate investigations by another agency over the leaked call — a case that could also lead to her removal.
The Constitutional Court last year removed Paetongtarn’s predecessor over a breach of ethics. Thailand’s courts, especially the Constitutional Court, are viewed as a defender of the royalist establishment, which has used them and nominally independent agencies such as the Election Commission to cripple or sink political opponents.
Political dynasty
Paetongtarn, 38, is the youngest daughter of Thaksin. Her father has remained beloved by many of the Thailand’s poor and working classes who long saw him as their champion.
But the family’s political fortunes now may be on the wane.
Thaksin alienated many of his supporters with what looked like a self-serving deal with his former conservative opponents. It allowed his return from exile in 2023 and the party he supported to form the new government, while sidelining the progressive Move Forward Party, which finished first in a national election, but was seen by the conservative establishment as a greater threat.
Thaksin has faced several legal challenges since his return. On Tuesday, he attended a court hearing in a case alleging he defamed the monarchy in 2015.
He also is under investigation over the handling of his return to face an eight-year prison term on charges related to corruption and abuse of power. At the time, he was transferred almost immediately to a hospital, and later granted clemency because of his age and health without spending a single night in jail.
The complaints argue he avoided properly serving his sentence and raise the possibility that Thaksin could be forced to serve prison time.
Congress moves forward with spending cuts
Relatives say Massachusetts assisted-living blaze …
Trump hosts Gulf leaders at White House as new violence …
Ex-Fayetteville volunteer school coach charged with …
Trump’s bid to claw back $9B in foreign aid and public …
Top Stories
Congress moves forward with spending cuts
Relatives say Massachusetts assisted-living blaze …
Trump hosts Gulf leaders at White House as new violence …
Ex-Fayetteville volunteer school coach charged with …
Trump’s bid to claw back $9B in foreign aid and public …
Deadly Massachusetts fire highlights the minimal …
Trump says he’s ‘highly unlikely’ to fire Fed’s Powell …
The Latest: Trump flip-flops over whether he’ll fire …
More Stories
NCDOT crews replace ‘Fort Liberty’ signs near Fayetteville
New downtown Raleigh bus station opening soon
Lenovo layoffs to affect employees at Morrisville …
2 more arrested in double homicide at Rocky Mount …
Clayton high speed chase ends in crash on Pritchard …
RDU to get $25 million in federal grant
New NC initiative to targe crypto ATM scams
Career fair for former military to be held in Raleigh
Cumberland County teacher facing sex crime charge
Group wanted for firing fireworks at child and man …
New esports gaming lab coming to Harnett County high …
Man convicted of child sex crimes in Durham County …
More Videos
Deadly Massachusetts fire highlights the minimal …
Trump says he’s ‘highly unlikely’ to fire Fed’s Powell …
The Latest: Trump flip-flops over whether he’ll fire …
Syrian government and Druze minority leaders announce …
NC attorney general sues FEMA for cutting $200 million …
Vance touts tax breaks in Pennsylvania as he makes …
Victim hurt in Edgecombe County shooting; stolen …
20 killed in Gaza as crowd surges at aid site run …
More from CBS17.com
Teen lied about being victim of Wake Forest hit-and-run, …
Lenovo making ‘strategic reductions’ to US workforce, …
NHC eyes potential fourth storm of 2025 Atlantic …
NC attorney general sues FEMA for cutting $200 million …
Creedmoor woman dies after she’s pulled from surf …
Sunflower field in full bloom at Dix Park in Raleigh. …
2nd teen shooter sentenced in murder of reality TV …
Read more trending stories
FAQ
What Is the Wheelchair Sex Pose? Positions That Actually Work
The term “wheelchair sex pose” does not describe one specific position. Instead, it covers any sexual position that is adapted so one partner can stay seated in or supported by a wheelchair. Many people use the wheelchair as part of the setup, like a chair or a throne, rather than something to avoid. This approach helps keep both partners comfortable and reduces strain while still allowing for intimacy, penetration, oral sex, or mutual touching.
Eiffel Tower Photo Rules: Snap Legally!
Hey there, Eiffel Tower fans! Want to snap that perfect pic without any hassle? Good news: daytime photos are totally free game for personal snaps and social shares, as the structure itself sits in the public domain. For example, grab shots from Champ de Mars or across the Seine with your phone—no permit needed. At night, though, the magic sparkle show changes things. Those twinkling lights are copyrighted art by SETE, so using them in postcards, ads, or stock sales requires their okay and a fee.
Eiffel Tower at Night
La meilleure façon de voir la Tour Eiffel de nuit est de choisir un point de vue clair et ouvert, comme le Trocadéro, le Champ de Mars, le Pont de Bir-Hakeim ou une croisière sur la Seine. Ces lieux donnent chacun une belle vue sur la tour illuminée, et le Trocadéro reste souvent le plus populaire pour une première visite grâce à son grand panorama sur Paris. Le Trocadéro est idéal si vous voulez une vue large et spectaculaire, avec la Tour Eiffel bien en face pour les photos.
Sizzle on the Table: Master the Tabletop Sex Position
The tabletop position is the go-to name for that steamy table sex pose where one partner sits or lies on the edge of a sturdy table at hip height, and the other stands for face-to-face fun. It’s super popular because it mixes deep penetration with intense eye contact—think kitchen counters or dining tables turning into playgrounds. Sources like sex education sites rave about its G-spot magic and easy access.womanandhome+1 You’ll love how simple it is: scoot your bottom partner to the table’s edge, spread their legs or lift them up, then stand between for thrusting control.
Sabrina Carpenters Eiffel Tower Pose Explained and Why It Went Viral
Sabrina Carpenter turned the word “Eiffel Tower” into a literal stage gag when she performed in Paris by striking the so‑called “Eiffel Tower” position during her show. In the move, she stood between two male dancers who bent down and joined their hands over her, creating a live human tower that clearly resembled the famous Paris landmark. The bit matched the lyrics of her song “Juno,” which playfully references “freaky positions,” and became an instant highlight of the Short n’ Sweet Tour stop in Paris.
Audivibe.com offers premium adult products to spice up your intimacy. Discover exciting guides and toys for the Eiffel Tower sex position, pose, and move. Enhance your pleasure with our curated collection designed for adventurous couples. Explore new heights of passion with our discreet, high-quality products
This site only collects related articles. Viewing the original, please copy and open the following link:Court suspends Thailand’s prime minister to investigate a leaked phone call – CBS17.com
