Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand was thrown into political turmoil on Friday when the Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ruling that a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader had compromised her integrity and violated ethical standards. The decision removed her immediately from office, cutting short a premiership that lasted just over a year.
The Call That Sparked a Crisis
The controversy stemmed from a conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the leaked recording, she referred to him as “uncle,” promised to “take care” of his concerns, and criticized a senior Thai military official.
The remarks, interpreted as a sign of weakness on sovereignty, set off a wave of outrage at home. Paetongtarn later apologized, saying her words were aimed at calming tensions during a border dispute, but the explanation did little to ease the political storm.
Border Tensions and Political Fallout
The scandal unfolded against a backdrop of violent clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border in July, which left soldiers and civilians dead. Checkpoints were closed, thousands were displaced, and the nation’s mood grew increasingly tense.
By early July, the court had already suspended Paetongtarn as it weighed the case. Coalition partners began pulling away, leaving her vulnerable. When the final ruling arrived, her government had already been unraveling.
What Happens Next
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead a caretaker government until parliament chooses a new leader. Under the constitution, lawmakers must select from a shortlist of candidates presented before the 2023 election.
From Paetongtarn’s party, the only remaining candidate is Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old former justice minister. Other possibilities include Anutin Charnvirakul, whose party abandoned the coalition over the scandal, and former coup leader Prayuth Chan-o-cha, still influential despite retiring from frontline politics.
To succeed, a candidate must be nominated by at least 50 lawmakers and secure 247 votes in the 492-seat lower house. With the ruling coalition holding only a seven-seat majority, the contest is expected to be fiercely contested.
Another Blow to Thai Democracy
The dismissal marks the fifth time in 17 years that a Thai prime minister has been removed by the courts, underscoring the country’s cycle of fragile governments and judicial interventions. It also raises questions about the future of the Shinawatra family, whose influence continues to loom large over Thai politics.
Public frustration with stalled reforms and rising economic pressures is already running high. The next leader will face not only the challenge of forming a stable government but also the task of restoring public trust at a moment when confidence in institutions is faltering.
Thailand now stands at a crossroads, uncertain whether this latest crisis will deepen divisions or open the door to renewed stability.
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