Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office following an ethics violation. The court’s decision, announced today, centers on a leaked telephone call from June, during which Shinawatra appeared to plead with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.
The call, intended to prevent an armed border conflict, failed to avert violence, with fighting erupting weeks later and lasting five days. Shinawatra, who has publicly apologized for the call, stated, “I didn’t want anything for myself. I was only thinking about how to avoid fighting and avoid bloodshed.” She further emphasized her dedication to the nation, saying, “I reaffirm that I truly intend to serve the nation. I have no ill intentions.”
Impact on Thai Politics
This ruling prematurely ends the tenure of the 39-year-old Shinawatra, who was the country’s youngest prime minister, having assumed office in August 2024. Her removal marks the fifth time a Thai prime minister has been ousted by the Constitutional Court in the past 17 years. Moreover, Shinawatra becomes the sixth leader from the influential Shinawatra family to be removed by either the military or judiciary.
The decision paves the way for the election of a new prime minister by parliament. Among the potential candidates are Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old Pheu Thai party member and former attorney general; Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former prime minister known for leading a military coup in 2014; and Anutin Charnvirakul, a former deputy prime minister who distanced himself from Shinawatra’s coalition following the phone call incident.
Shifting Political Landscape
The Shinawatra family’s ongoing legal challenges could significantly reshape Thailand’s political landscape. Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister himself, is also embroiled in legal battles that may influence the country’s future governance.
Until a new prime minister is elected, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the current cabinet will manage the government in a caretaker capacity. However, the political uncertainty adds to public unease amid stalled reforms and a sluggish economy, which the central bank projects will grow by just 2.3% this year.
Challenges Ahead
Any new Pheu Thai administration is expected to form a coalition with a narrow majority, potentially facing frequent parliamentary challenges from an opposition eager for early elections. Political scientist Stithorn Thananithichot from Chulalongkorn University noted, “Appointing a new prime minister … will be difficult and may take considerable time. It’s not easy for all parties to align their interests. Pheu Thai will be at a disadvantage.”
The appointment of a new leader is critical not only for political stability but also for addressing the nation’s pressing economic concerns. As Thailand navigates this period of transition, the eyes of the nation and the international community remain focused on the unfolding political drama.
