According to the petition filed by 36 senators on Tuesday, Paetongtarn is accused of dishonesty and breaking ethical standards in violation of the constitution in connection with a phone conversation between Hun Sen, Cambodia’s renowned former leader, and Hun Sen. The court may decide to immediately suspend the premier from his or her duties if the case is accepted.
In a case involving allegations that Thaksin insulted Thailand’s powerful monarchy, which is a serious offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison if found guilty, Thaksin will also get his first hearing at Bangkok’s Criminal Court on Tuesday. He repeatedly pledged allegiance to the crown, denies the accusations, and does so.
The Shinawatra family, who the elite view as a threat to Thailand’s traditional social order, and the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite have dominated the kingdom’s politics for years.
For the first time since a group of conservative senators charged Paetongtarn with breaking ministerial ethics during a diplomatic row with Cambodia, the Thai Constitutional Court will meet on Tuesday.
As Thailand struggles to balance its shaky economy and threat of tariffs from the United States, the court may suspend the prime minister if they choose to hear the case.
A June 15 call was intended to ease the escalating border tensions with Cambodia. In a country with significant clout, Paetongtarn, 38, referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai army commander. She apologized and claimed that she was negotiating.
As thousands of demonstrators demand the premier resign, the leaked conversation sparked outcry and left Paetongtarn’s coalition with a razor-thin majority. A key party is expected to soon seek a no-confidence vote in parliament.
Paetongtarn, a depressed journalist, said, “I will let the process go.” I’m worried, if you’re asking.
Phumtham Wechayachai, Paetongtarn’s deputy, will have control if Paetongtarn is suspended.
The Cambodian controversy has severely weakened the 38-year-old Paetongtarn, who took office less than a year ago.
After her allies left, Thailand’s king on Tuesday approved Paetongtarn’s cabinet reshuffle. She has chosen to be the culture minister.
In addition, Thaksin, a 75-year-old family patriarch and billionaire who was twice elected leader in the early 2000s, was accused of breaking strict lese-majeste laws intended to protect Thailand’s king from criticism.
He faces up to 15 years in prison after the trial, which is scheduled to last for weeks, with a verdict not anticipated for at least a month afterward, according to the allegations that he gave to South Korean media in 2015.
The trial had already begun, a court official told the AFP news agency, but no media would be permitted inside.
Thaksin has repeatedly pledged allegiance to the crown while denying the accusations levelled against him.
Source: Aljazeera
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