Thai Prime Minister Dismissed Over Leaked Phone Call with Cambodian Leader

Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after ruling she violated political ethics during a phone call with Cambodia's former leader, Hun Sen. The court's 6-3 decision found that Paetongtarn's conduct in the June 15 call compromised Thai national interests by showing alignment with Cambodia and criticizing a Thai army general. The call, leaked by Hun Sen, occurred shortly before a deadly five-day border conflict erupted, resulting in dozens of deaths and over 260,000 displaced.

Paetongtarn, 39, argued her informal tone was a negotiation tactic and denied harming national security. Her dismissal marks another political setback for the Shinawatra family, which has seen multiple members—including her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck—removed from office prematurely. The ruling weakens her Pheu Thai-led coalition, especially after the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew support.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is serving in a caretaker role until Parliament selects a new leader. The political turmoil, exacerbated by economic challenges and longstanding polarization, highlights persistent instability in Thai governance, often marked by court interventions and military influence.