Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Dismissed Over Ethics Violation

Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for an ethics violation, marking the sixth removal of a Shinawatra-affiliated leader in two decades. The court's 6-3 decision cited a leaked June phone call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen, during which Paetongtarn allegedly prioritized personal ties over national interests amid escalating border tensions.

In the call, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticized a senior Thai military commander, actions perceived as undermining national sovereignty. The conversation, intended to ease border tensions following a deadly military clash in May, was made public by Hun Sen, escalating public outrage.

Paetongtarn, Thailand's youngest prime minister and daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, had been suspended from her duties since July 1 during the investigation. Her removal destabilizes the ruling Pheu Thai-led coalition, already weakened after the Bhumjaithai Party's departure in response to the controversy. The coalition now holds only a narrow majority in Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as caretaker leader while Parliament selects a new prime minister. Potential successors include former premier Prayuth Chan-ocha and Anutin Charnvirakul. The political uncertainty comes amid economic challenges, with the economy expected to grow only 2.3% this year.