Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, ruling that her controversial phone call with Cambodia’s former leader violated ethics rules. The decision has thrown the country into renewed political unrest.
A Short-Lived Tenure
Paetongtarn, a key figure in the influential Shinawatra political dynasty, took office in August 2024 as Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister. Her leadership lasted just one year before the court voted 6–3 to declare her ineligible, stating she lacked the necessary qualifications under the Thai constitution.
The Leaked Phone Call Controversy
The ruling stems from a June 15 phone conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, which was leaked amid heightened border tensions between the two nations. In the call, she addressed Hun Sen in familiar terms and appeared to criticize Thailand’s military actions after a Cambodian soldier was killed in clashes. She also offered to fulfill any requests from him — remarks that fueled accusations of undermining national interests.
The court concluded that her conduct showed a lack of honesty, integrity, and compliance with ethical standards. The recording, verified by both countries, sparked public outrage, particularly among nationalists.
Escalating Border Conflict
Weeks after the call, Thailand and Cambodia engaged in a five-day conflict that left at least 38 people dead — most of them civilians — and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Paetongtarn’s Response
Paetongtarn later apologized to the public, explaining that her comments were intended as a negotiation tactic to ease tensions. Speaking after Friday’s ruling, she expressed gratitude to the Thai people and reaffirmed her love for her country, religion, and the king.
She had already been suspended from prime ministerial duties on July 1 but continued to serve as culture minister following a cabinet reshuffle earlier this year.