• Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces an anti-corruption investigation over ethical violations.
• The investigation stems from a leaked call with Cambodia's former PM Hun Sen.
• Paetongtarn is suspended from duty pending a court verdict on the matter.
• Her coalition government faces a crisis, exacerbated by public protests.
• Past similar rulings have led to disqualifications of politicians in Thailand.

Thailand's anti-graft body, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), has launched an investigation into suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for alleged ethical misconduct arising from a leaked phone call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen. The case was initiated following a petition from 36 senators claiming that Paetongtarn breached ethical standards outlined in the constitution, leading to her suspension from duties pending further investigation, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The investigation comes after a charged phone conversation on June 15, where Paetongtarn criticized a Thai army commander while speaking with Hun Sen, drawing public ire for allegedly undermining Thailand’s integrity amid a territorial conflict. This incident has triggered significant backlash, including protests demanding her resignation and the departure of key coalition partners, according to Bangkok Post and South China Morning Post.

The NACC's investigation reflects deep-rooted tensions in Thai politics, particularly between the influential Shinawatra dynasty and their rivals within the military-backed establishment. Should the NACC find sufficient evidence of misconduct, Paetongtarn could be charged, potentially leading to her disqualification from political office, as has been seen in prior rulings that resulted in lifetime bans for similar offenses, according to Bangkok Post and South China Morning Post.