Thai Constitutional Court Sacks Prime Minister
BANGKOK, Aug 29 (TNA) - Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, ruling that a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia's former leader constituted a grave ethical violation. The decision brings an end to her premiership, which began just over a year ago.
The ruling stemmed from a petition filed by 36 senators. They claimed that an audio recording of a conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian prime minister and current Senate President Hun Sen, which was widely disseminated by the media on June 18, 2025, demonstrated that she lacked the required qualifications and had breached ethical standards under the Constitution.
The court's ruling stated that she had a "serious breach of ethical standards". As a result of the prime minister is dismissed effective as of July 1, 2025 (the date of her suspension from duty) and the entire cabinet must also vacate their offices, but will continue to serve in a caretaker capacity.
The court's decision was based on a 6:3 majority vote, as three minority justices held that the prime minister's conduct did not constitute a "serious" breach of ethics.
In a statement following the verdict at Government House, Paetongtarn accepted the court's decision but maintained her innocence, stating that her conversation (in the clip) was not for personal gain but was made with the sincere intention of working for the country.
She emphasized her commitment to protecting the lives of citizens and military personnel, noting the conversation occurred before a violent border conflict erupted.
Paetongtarn also expressed that the ruling was another instance of sudden political change and called on MPs to help create political stability. She thanked the Thai people for the opportunity to serve the nation.
Meanwhile, the opposition People's Party announced a statement supporting any attempt to form a new administration with conditions that that prime minister candidate must dissolve parliament within four months of delivering their policy statement, in order to pave the way for a new election.
The party stated it would not join the government and would continue its role in the opposition. It also added that it would not support an "outsider prime minister" or one with a history related to a military coup.
