Thai Court Removes PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra

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Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office after ruling that a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen breached ethics rules. The decision, passed by a 6–3 vote, ends her one-year tenure and throws the country into renewed political uncertainty, marking the latest episode in Thailand’s long history of judicial interventions and political instability.

The Leaked Phone Call

The controversy stemmed from a June 15 phone call in which Paetongtarn, amid rising border tensions with Cambodia, referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized the Thai army’s handling of clashes that killed a Cambodian soldier. She also assured him, “If you want anything, just tell me, and I will take care of it.” The remarks, authenticated by both sides, fueled accusations that she compromised Thailand’s national interests. Weeks later, the border dispute escalated into a five-day conflict that left at least 38 dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Judicial Ruling and Reaction

The court concluded that Paetongtarn “lacked honesty and integrity” and “seriously violated ethical standards.” She apologized to the Thai public, insisting her words were a negotiation tactic to de-escalate tensions. Following the ruling, Paetongtarn expressed gratitude to supporters but acknowledged that the court had once again triggered “a sudden political change.” Her removal also dismisses her cabinet, with ministers temporarily serving in acting roles until a new leader is appointed.

Shinawatra Dynasty Under Pressure

Paetongtarn is the latest Shinawatra family member to be ousted from power. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was toppled in 2006 and spent years in exile, while her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra was removed in 2014 before a military coup. Her uncle Somchai Wongsawat was dismissed in 2008. The family’s political parties have consistently won elections over two decades but struggled to hold power against entrenched military, royalist, and business elites.

Political Fallout and Next Steps

With Paetongtarn’s dismissal, Pheu Thai must nominate a new prime minister. Former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri remains a possible candidate, but coalition unity is fractured, especially after Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul resigned from his government posts in protest. If Pheu Thai fails to secure parliamentary support, new elections may be called, though analysts suggest the establishment may still prefer a weakened Thaksin-backed party over the reformist People’s Party, which has been gaining popularity.

The removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra underscores the fragility of Thai democracy, where courts and the establishment have repeatedly reshaped governments. With coalition tensions rising and the economy under strain, the path ahead for Pheu Thai — and the Shinawatra family’s political legacy — remains uncertain.

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