Thailand’s Constitutional Court Removes Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Bangkok, August 30, 2025 - Thailand’s Constitutional Court formally dismissed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on Friday, ruling that she breached ethical standards during a leaked June telephone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

In a 6-3 verdict, the nine-member court found that Paetongtarn “failed to uphold the ethical guidelines” expected of a head of government by referring to Hun Sen in a manner that undermined public trust and national interests. The ruling also dissolved her cabinet, although remaining ministers will continue in caretaker roles until a new government is formed.

Speaking at Government House following the decision, Paetongtarn accepted the verdict and reiterated that her intent had been to protect lives amid the border dispute, calling for unity among political factions to “restore stability and prevent similar sudden disruptions in the future”.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as acting leader in the interim, as parties engage in negotiations to nominate her successor. Pheu Thai has indicated it will propose former attorney general Chaikasem Nitisiri, while the Bhumjaithai Party and other coalition partners weigh their options.

Internationally, China’s Foreign Ministry expressed hope that Thailand “will maintain stability and continue to prosper,” describing the matter as a “domestic affair” for Thailand to resolve on its own terms.

The ruling marks the fifth time in 17 years that a Shinawatra family member has been removed by judicial action and underscores the enduring power struggle between elected governments aligned with the Shinawatra dynasty and Thailand’s conservative establishment. A parliamentary vote to appoint a new prime minister must occur in the coming weeks, though no fixed timeline has been set.