Thai PM Suspended Amid Ethics Probe, Coalition Crisis

Thailand's Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra amid an ethics investigation over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which she criticized a senior Thai army commander. The suspension followed a petition by 36 senators alleging dishonesty and ethical breaches. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has been named caretaker prime minister while Paetongtarn, who is now also culture minister, has 15 days to present her defense. The crisis intensified after the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from the coalition, costing the government its majority. Protests, a fragile economy, and worsening Thai-Cambodian relations after a deadly border clash have further heightened instability, with analysts warning of a possible military coup or new elections. The suspension underscores the ongoing power struggle between the Shinawatra family and Thailand's conservative establishment.