Thailand’s Constitutional Court Ousts Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over Ethics Violation in Phone Call with Cambodia’s Senate President

In Bangkok, Thailand’s Constitutional Court has stripped Paetongtarn Shinawatra of her role as prime minister, following a decision that she breached ethical guidelines within a phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen. This ruling results in an immediate termination of her position, which she had held for approximately a year.

The suspension from duties occurred on July 1st when the court decided to consider the case against her. Since then, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has taken over her responsibilities.

The controversial phone call, leaked online on June 15th, was aimed at easing border tensions with Cambodia but provoked widespread outrage within Thailand due to Paetongtarn’s perceived informal approach and apparent disparagement of a Thai army general in matters concerning national security. The audio of the conversation was released by Hun Sen, who had served as Cambodia’s prime minister for 38 years until his son, Hun Manet, assumed office in 2023.

The heated border disputes intensified following a fatal altercation involving a Cambodian soldier in May, leading to five days of combat between the two countries towards the end of June, resulting in casualties and displacement of over 260,000 people.

The court’s verdict casts doubt on the stability of the ruling coalition led by Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party. The controversy surrounding the phone call prompted the Bhumjaithai Party, the largest partner of Pheu Thai, to withdraw, leaving the coalition with a precarious majority in the House of Representatives.

Furthermore, this decision also undermines the political influence of Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted from power via a military coup in 2006 but has continued to exert significant control over Thai politics through proxy parties such as Pheu Thai. His political clout stems primarily from the populist policies he advocated and the substantial wealth amassed in the telecommunications sector.