On August 29th (Friday), Thailand’s Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, citing a serious violation of constitutional ethics related to a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The court’s 6-to-3 ruling immediately ended her premiership, which lasted just about one year. The judges concluded that Paetongtarn’s conduct in the June 15 call compromised national dignity and prioritized personal and political interests over the country’s well-being.
The contentious phone call took place amid escalating border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. During the conversation, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen with familiarity and appeared to disparage a Thai military general, remarks that provoked public outrage given the sensitive security context. The audio was leaked and confirmed authentic, intensifying nationalist sentiments as military skirmishes later erupted at the border, resulting in casualties and large-scale displacement.
Following the ruling, Paetongtarn accepted the court’s decision but emphasized her intentions were aimed at safeguarding lives during the conflict. She called for political unity to ensure stability moving forward. Meanwhile, the verdict poses significant challenges for her Pheu Thai party, which now faces a weakened coalition with a slim parliamentary majority. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will act as caretaker while a new leader is selected.
Photo Source: thaigov.go.th
