On August 29, 2025, Thailand’s Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, just one year into her term, for violating ethical standards in a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. The ruling, which found her actions unconstitutional, has plunged Thailand into political uncertainty, with the caretaker cabinet under Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai tasked with maintaining stability until a new leader is appointed. The decision marks Paetongtarn as the fifth Thai premier in 17 years to be removed by the court, highlighting the country’s ongoing political volatility.
The Leaked Call and Ethical Breach
The controversy stemmed from a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, which occurred amid heightened tensions over a disputed border region in July 2025. In the call, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and referred to a Thai military commander as her “opponent,” remarks that sparked outrage in Thailand, where the military wields significant influence. The court ruled that her conduct violated ethical standards and constitutional qualifications for leadership, accusing her of undermining national interests and appearing overly deferential to Cambodia during a period when the two nations were on the brink of armed conflict.
The border dispute escalated into five days of fighting, resulting in at least 36 deaths and displacing over 200,000 people, as reported in earlier discussions. Conservative lawmakers criticized Paetongtarn for “bending the knee” to Cambodia, while her main coalition partner withdrew support, nearly collapsing her government. The court’s unanimous decision underscored the gravity of the perceived breach, citing her actions as detrimental to Thailand’s sovereignty and military prestige.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, apologized for the leaked call, insisting her intent was to avert war and de-escalate tensions. “My words were meant to foster peace, not division,” she said in a public statement. However, the apology did little to quell the backlash, with critics arguing her remarks compromised Thailand’s stance during a critical diplomatic moment.
The dismissal has deepened Thailand’s political divide, with supporters of Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party decrying the ruling as a politically motivated attack by conservative elites. Social media platforms like X reflected polarized sentiments, with some users praising the court for upholding accountability, while others accused it of perpetuating judicial overreach to destabilize progressive leadership.
Thailand’s Political Landscape
The Constitutional Court’s decision continues a pattern of judicial intervention in Thai politics, with five prime ministers ousted since 2008, including Yingluck Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s aunt, in 2014. The caretaker cabinet, led by Phumtham Wechayachai, will govern until parliament selects a new prime minister, a process that could take weeks. There is also the possibility of dissolving parliament and calling a snap election, further complicating the political outlook.
The ruling comes amid broader challenges for Thailand, including economic recovery efforts and lingering tensions over the recent border conflict with Cambodia, which was resolved through a Malaysia-mediated ceasefire on July 28, 2025. Paetongtarn’s ousting risks delaying policy initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and addressing economic inequality, key pillars of her administration’s agenda.
Looking Ahead
As Thailand navigates this latest political crisis, the focus shifts to the selection of a new prime minister and the potential for early elections. The Constitutional Court’s decision reinforces the military and judiciary’s influence in Thai politics, raising questions about democratic stability. Paetongtarn’s dismissal, while rooted in a specific ethical violation, reflects deeper tensions between Thailand’s progressive and conservative factions, with implications for the nation’s governance and regional standing in the years ahead.
