Thailand’s Constitutional Court delivered a dramatic verdict on August 29, 2025, removing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office in a 6–3 decision for violating ethical standards during a controversial June 15 phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen . In the leaked 17-minute conversation, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle,” pleaded for understanding by calling herself his “niece,” and disparaged a Thai military commander as part of the “opposing side,” raising alarm over her alignment with Cambodian interests over her own nation’s .
The audio leak, made public by Hun Sen, emerged just days before a deadly border conflict erupted between Thailand and Cambodia, resulting in dozens of fatalities and the displacement of more than 260,000 people . Critics argued the conversation compromised Thailand’s security, and the court echoed that sentiment, stating her conduct “lacked demonstrable honesty and integrity” and betrayed national interests .
Paetongtarn, aged 39 and the youngest person to hold Thailand’s premiership, defended herself, saying her informal tone was a strategic move to de‐escalate tensions. She accepted the ruling while asserting she acted solely “to protect lives,” and expressed readiness to comply with the court’s decision .
Her dismissal marks yet another setback for the formidable Shinawatra political dynasty. Paetongtarn becomes the sixth premier linked to the Shinawatra family ousted by judicial or military means over the last two decades—following her father Thaksin, aunt Yingluck, and other allies . The ruling also destabilizes her Pheu Thai Party–led coalition: Bhumjaithai Party had already withdrawn its support amid the scandal, and the government now holds only a slim majority .
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as caretaker until Parliament elects a new prime minister. Pheu Thai’s remaining candidate, 77-year-old former attorney general Chaikasem Nitisiri, remains in the running, but rival Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai is also positioning himself—amid ongoing speculation of early elections .
This episode underscores the persistent volatility of Thai politics, where institutions like the Constitutional Court—and, by extension, royalist and military forces—frequently influence or overturn the mandate of democratically elected leaders.
