Paetongtarn Shinawatra Ousted as Thai PM After Cambodia Call Controversy

Thailand has plunged into fresh political turmoil after the Constitutional Court ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday over a controversial phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Paetongtarn, daughter of billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, had been suspended since July 1 after being accused of failing to defend Thailand’s national interest during the June conversation, which was leaked online.

In a 6–3 ruling, the nine-member panel declared that she had breached the ethical standards required of a prime minister.

“Her actions caused a loss of trust, prioritised personal interest over national interest, and fuelled suspicion that she sided with Cambodia,” the court’s judgment read.

The ruling also dissolved her cabinet, leaving Thailand’s fragile coalition government leaderless and deepening fears of prolonged instability.

Cambodia Call Controversy

The case centred on a call in which Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and described a Thai military commander as her “opponent.” The remarks angered conservative lawmakers and military leaders, who accused her of undermining national security and siding with Cambodia during a heated border dispute.

Her coalition partner eventually withdrew support, and senators petitioned the court to remove her for breaching constitutional provisions of integrity and ethical conduct.

Defending herself after the ruling, the 39-year-old leader insisted her intentions were for the country’s benefit.

“My decisions were for the good of the people, not personal gain. I acted in the national interest, including the safety of civilians and soldiers,” she told reporters.

A Nation in Political Uncertainty

Paetongtarn’s removal has left Thailand facing deep political uncertainty. Under the constitution, only candidates nominated in the 2023 election can become prime minister, but most of the nine nominees are either ineligible, politically unviable, or facing legal challenges.

Analysts warn that a fresh election may be necessary, though it remains unclear if acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has the authority to call one.

The ruling makes Paetongtarn the sixth Shinawatra-linked leader ousted by the court in two decades, underscoring the long-running power struggle between the pro-military establishment and the Shinawatra political dynasty.

The leaked call also worsened diplomatic relations with Cambodia and sparked the deadliest border clashes in decades in July, leaving more than 40 dead and displacing over 300,000 people.