Thai Prime Minister Suspended After Leaked Audio File Calls Hun Sen “Uncle”

The Associated Press reported that the private conversation between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was leaked, causing controversy. 36 senators filed a petition for Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s suspension. The Thai Constitutional Court heard the case on July 1 and unanimously approved the suspension of Paetongtarn’s position as prime minister.

According to the leaked recording, when Paetongtarn Shinawatra spoke with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on June 15, he not only affectionately called Hun Sen “uncle”, but also belittled the Thai military, causing controversy.

In response, Paetongtarn admitted in an interview with the media on June 30 that he was “really worried” about the Constitutional Court’s possible ruling to suspend his position, but emphasized that he did not want to affect the normal operation of the government because many things could not be delayed.