Paetongtarn Shinawatra Ousted as Thailand’s Prime Minister

BANGKOK, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Thailand’s Constitutional Court officially removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on Friday, ruling that she violated ethical standards during a leaked telephone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen. The 39-year-old leader, in power for just over one year, has been stripped of her duties effective immediately.

The court, in a 6-3 decision, found that Paetongtarn prioritized personal interests over national security by referring to Hun Sen as “uncle” and disparaging a Thai military commander during a June phone call amid an escalating border dispute. The ruling concluded that her conduct undermined public confidence in her leadership and breached the constitutional requirements for honesty and integrity in office.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the existing cabinet will serve in a caretaker capacity until parliament appoints a new prime minister. The timing for convening the lower house and nominating Paetongtarn’s successor is at the discretion of the Speaker of the House, as the constitution does not stipulate a specific deadline.

The verdict lands a significant blow to the Shinawatra political dynasty and heightens uncertainty in Thailand’s already fragile coalition, which holds only a slim majority of seven seats. Intense negotiations are expected among Pheu Thai, its coalition partners, and other parliamentary factions to secure sufficient support for a new nominee. Pheu Thai’s remaining viable candidate is Justice Minister Ika­s Nitis, though it remains unclear whether he can rally the necessary backing.

The court’s decision marks the fifth time in 17 years that a Shinawatra family member has been removed from the premiership by judicial ruling. Paetongtarn’s removal comes amid ongoing economic challenges and political volatility, with Thailand now poised to install its third prime minister in two years.