Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, plunging the kingdom into renewed political turmoil.
The 39-year-old leader, daughter of billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, was suspended from office last month following allegations that she compromised national interests during a June phone call with Cambodia’s ex-leader Hun Sen, which was later leaked online.
In a six-to-three ruling, the court found that she had failed to uphold the ethical standards required of her office. “Her actions have led to a loss of trust, prioritising personal interest over national interest, which fuelled public suspicion that she was siding with Cambodia and diminished confidence in her as PM among Thai citizens,” the court declared.
The ruling also dissolved her cabinet, effectively ending her premiership just over a year after the same court removed her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, in a separate ethics case.
The controversy stemmed from her cordial exchange with Hun Sen, during which she referred to him as “uncle” and described a Thai military commander as her “opponent.” The remarks provoked outrage in Thailand’s military and political establishment, with conservative lawmakers accusing her of undermining the armed forces. Her main coalition partner later withdrew support, nearly collapsing her government.
Paetongtarn defended her actions, insisting she had acted in the country’s best interest. “My intentions were for the benefit of the country not for personal gain, but for the lives of the people, including civilians and soldiers,” she told reporters after the ruling.
The dismissal leaves Thailand facing a power vacuum, with no clear successor in sight. Under constitutional rules, only candidates nominated during the 2023 general election are eligible to become prime minister, but several are either disqualified, lack party backing, or face legal obstacles.
The ruling intensifies Thailand’s decades-long struggle between the pro-military establishment and the Shinawatra political dynasty. Paetongtarn becomes the sixth prime minister linked to her family’s movement to be removed by the Constitutional Court.
Tensions with Cambodia have already escalated into deadly clashes along the border, leaving more than 40 dead and displacing 300,000 people in recent months. With no immediate resolution in sight, Thailand enters another period of deep political uncertainty.
