Constitutional Court Removes Prime Minister Over Ethics Violation
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been officially removed from office by the Constitutional Court after being found guilty of violating constitutional ethics rules. The ruling stems from a leaked telephone conversation between Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during heightened border tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Border Crisis Background
The phone call occurred in June 2025 when Thailand and Cambodia were engaged in a serious border conflict centered around the disputed Preah Vihear temple complex. The long-standing territorial dispute dates back to the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 and was previously adjudicated by the International Court of Justice in 1962, which awarded the temple to Cambodia but left surrounding territory unresolved.
Recent tensions escalated dramatically in May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was killed during border skirmishes. The situation deteriorated further in July when a Thai soldier lost a leg after stepping on a landmine, leading to direct armed conflict between the two nations.
The Controversial Phone Call
According to court documents, the leaked conversation revealed Shinawatra adopting what many Thais considered an overly deferential tone toward the Cambodian leader while discussing sensitive national security matters. The prime minister was also alleged to have mocked a Thai military general during the exchange.
Shinawatra maintained that the call was intended to de-escalate tensions and prevent further military confrontation. However, the Constitutional Court ruled that her conduct violated constitutional ethics standards, particularly regarding the proper handling of national security matters.
Political Fallout and Succession
Paetongtarn Shinawatra had been suspended from her duties since July 1st, with Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai serving as acting leader. With her permanent removal, Wechayachai is expected to continue leading the government until parliament approves a new prime minister.
The ruling represents a significant blow to the influential Shinawatra political dynasty. Paetongtarn is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, and niece of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was also removed from office.
Regional Implications
The political instability comes at a challenging time for Thailand, which faces multiple crises including economic difficulties and the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia. The country now enters a period of political uncertainty with a fragile governing coalition and the need to select new leadership.
Political analysts suggest this development could mark the end of the Shinawatra family's political influence in Thailand, though it also raises concerns about further instability in one of Southeast Asia's key economies.