In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, citing an ethics violation. The court’s ruling, delivered on Thursday, centers around a leaked telephone call from June in which Shinawatra was heard in conversation with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen. The call took place at a time when tensions between the two countries were high, nearly leading to an armed border conflict.
According to the court, Shinawatra’s actions during the call were deemed unethical, as she appeared to be excessively conciliatory towards Hun Sen. The situation escalated into a brief conflict that lasted five days, underscoring the delicate balance of diplomacy and national security.
Shinawatra, who became Thailand’s youngest prime minister in August 2024 at the age of 39, expressed regret over the incident. “I didn’t want anything for myself. I was only thinking about how to avoid fighting and avoid bloodshed,” she stated, emphasizing her intentions to prevent war. “I reaffirm that I truly intend to serve the nation. I have no ill intentions,” she told reporters following the court’s decision.
The Shinawatra Legacy in Thai Politics
This ruling marks the end of Shinawatra’s brief tenure and highlights a recurring theme in Thai politics: the removal of leaders associated with the Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the fifth prime minister in 17 years to be ousted by the Constitutional Court and the sixth leader from her family to face removal by either the military or judiciary.
As Shinawatra departed the Government House of Thailand, captured in a poignant image by Reuters photographer Athit Perawongmetha, the nation now looks to the future. The court’s decision paves the way for the election of a new prime minister by parliament.
Potential Candidates for Prime Minister
There are currently five candidates eligible to assume the role of prime minister:
- Chaikasem Nitisiri: A 77-year-old member of the Pheu Thai party and former attorney general, Nitisiri has maintained a low political profile with limited cabinet experience.
- Prayuth Chan-ocha: A former prime minister who led a military coup against the last Pheu Thai government in 2014, Chan-ocha has since retired from politics.
- Anutin Charnvirakul: Previously a deputy prime minister, Charnvirakul withdrew his party from Shinawatra’s coalition following the leaked phone call.
Impact on Thai Politics and Economy
The political landscape in Thailand is poised for further upheaval as the Shinawatra family’s legal challenges continue to unfold. Both Paetongtarn and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister himself, are awaiting the outcomes of their respective legal cases. These developments could significantly reshape the country’s political dynamics.
In the interim, deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the current cabinet will manage governmental affairs in a caretaker capacity until a new leader is elected. However, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty, as the nation grapples with stalled reforms and economic challenges. The central bank projects a modest growth rate of 2.3 percent for the year, reflecting the broader economic malaise.
“Appointing a new prime minister … will be difficult and may take considerable time,” said Stithorn Thananithichot, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “It’s not easy for all parties to align their interests. Pheu Thai will be at a disadvantage.”
Looking Ahead
The political uncertainty in Thailand comes at a critical juncture, with public sentiment increasingly uneasy over the pace of reforms and economic stagnation. Any new Pheu Thai administration is likely to be a coalition with a narrow majority, potentially facing frequent challenges from an opposition eager to push for early elections.
As Thailand navigates this turbulent period, the focus will be on how quickly and effectively a new government can be formed to address the pressing issues facing the nation. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the country’s political and economic trajectory.
