Thailand’s Constitutional Court Ousts Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Over Ethics Violation
Bangkok – Thailand was thrown into fresh political turmoil on Friday after the Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for an ethics violation, just one year into her premiership.
The 39-year-old leader, daughter of billionaire tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, becomes the sixth Shinawatra-backed premier to be removed by the courts or military in the country’s two-decade power struggle between elected governments and conservative-royalist elites.
Court Verdict
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled that Paetongtarn placed her personal interests above the nation’s, damaging Thailand’s reputation and eroding public trust.
The case stemmed from a leaked June phone call in which she appeared deferential to Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, at a time when both nations were on the brink of border conflict. Fighting broke out weeks later and lasted five days.
The court said Paetongtarn’s actions showed a “willingness to act in line with Cambodia’s wishes.”
Impact on Shinawatra Dynasty
Paetongtarn’s removal underscores the fragile position of the Shinawatra political dynasty, which has dominated Thai politics but repeatedly clashed with powerful conservative and military establishments.
She had replaced Srettha Thavisin, dismissed last year by the same court, and was considered a political newcomer thrust abruptly into the top job.
Paetongtarn apologized for the leaked call, saying she was trying to avert a war.
Political Uncertainty Ahead
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The Pheu Thai party now faces challenges in maintaining its coalition, which held only a razor-thin majority.
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Deputy Premier Phumtham Wechayachai will act as caretaker leader until parliament elects a new prime minister, though no timeline has been set.
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Possible candidates include Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old Pheu Thai veteran, as well as other political heavyweights like former coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha and ex-deputy premier Anutin Charnvirakul.
Economic and Social Concerns
The ruling deepens Thailand’s instability at a time when public frustration is already high. The economy is forecast to grow only 2.3% this year, with stalled reforms and rising political tensions fueling uncertainty.
Analysts warn that choosing a new prime minister will be difficult.
“Appointing a new prime minister may take considerable time,” said Stithorn Thananithichot, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “Pheu Thai will be at a disadvantage.”
✅ Key Takeaways
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Paetongtarn Shinawatra removed for ethics violation after one year in office.
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Sixth Shinawatra-backed leader ousted by courts or military.
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Thailand faces political instability and slow economic growth.
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Coalition negotiations and new PM selection could be long and divisive.
