Former Thai PM accepts court order to remove her from office over phone leak

Ex-Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra says she accepts the court’s verdict after being removed from office over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, the BBC writes.

Shinawatra’s term as prime minister was suspended due to the leak of a phone conversation with the former Cambodian leader. It took place against the backdrop of border tensions between the two countries.

In the leaked clip, the ousted PM was heard calling Cambodia’s Hun Sen “uncle” and criticizing the Thai army.

Dozens of Thai lawmakers filed a petition with the Constitutional Court to remove her, claiming that Paetongtarn had breached the ethical standards expected of a prime minister.

Now, the country’s deputy PM will replace Paetongtarn before a new vote is held for prime minister.