Thailand’s Prime Minister Ousted as Tourism Authority Unveils New Safety Stamp

Bangkok, August 29, 2025 - Thailand’s political and tourism landscapes both saw major developments today, as the Constitutional Court formally dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched its “Trusted Thailand” safety certification initiative.

In a landmark ruling, the Constitutional Court found that Ms. Paetongtarn had breached ethical standards in a leaked June telephone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, during which she appeared to compromise Thailand’s national security and criticize a Thai general. The court’s decision immediately removed the 39-year-old premier-Asia’s youngest-ever non-monarchical female head of government-and threw the ruling Pheu Thai coalition into caretaker status under Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Ms. Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had been suspended from her duties on July 1 pending the ethics probe. Today’s judgment makes her the fifth Thai premier in 17 years to be ousted by the court, underscoring the enduring power of Thailand’s judiciary in political affairs.

In a separate high-profile event, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham and TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool officially introduced the “Trusted Thailand” stamp at a ceremony in Bangkok. The new certification will mark hotels, restaurants, attractions and other tourism operators that meet stringent safety criteria-spanning site security, safe mobility, secure transactions and foreign-language visitor care-to bolster traveler confidence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Jakkaphon emphasized that safety is the foundation of sustainable tourism and key to regaining the trust of major source markets, particularly China. “This stamp represents our commitment to making Thailand a destination where every visitor feels secure,” he said, adding that a dedicated online platform for operator self-assessment and a certified-business directory will go live in September, with nationwide rollout beginning in October 2025.

As Thailand navigates both political uncertainty and a competitive tourism environment, today’s dual announcements highlight the country’s efforts to maintain governance stability while safeguarding its reputation as a world-class destination.