Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an ethics violation, the latest blow to the powerful Shinawatra family and a move that has set off a scramble to form a new government.
Paetongtarn, 39, Thailand’s youngest premier, becomes the sixth Shinawatra-linked leader removed from power by either the courts or the military in nearly two decades of bitter political rivalry. The court ruled she violated ethics in a leaked June phone call in which she appeared to defer to Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries.
The decision leaves her Pheu Thai Party weakened, with rivals quickly maneuvering to take advantage. The Bhumjaithai Party, which had left Paetongtarn’s coalition, emerged as an early frontrunner, with leader Anutin Charnvirakul lobbying other parties and pledging to dissolve parliament within four months if he takes office.
Court’s Ruling
In a 6–3 decision, the Constitutional Court said Paetongtarn placed her private interests ahead of the nation’s and damaged Thailand’s reputation.
“Due to a personal relationship that appeared aligned with Cambodia, the respondent was consistently willing to comply with or act in accordance with the wishes of the Cambodian side,” the court stated.
Paetongtarn defended herself, saying her actions were aimed at preventing violence.
“All I wanted was to safeguard the lives of people, whether soldiers or civilians,” she said. “I was determined to do all I can to protect their lives before the violent clashes.”
She becomes the fifth Thai prime minister in 17 years to be removed by the Constitutional Court.
Political Fallout
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as caretaker until parliament elects a new leader. A special session has been called for September 3–5, but no vote on a new premier has yet been scheduled.
Several names are being floated, including veteran lawyer Chaikasem Nitisiri of Pheu Thai, though he is seen as lacking experience. Anutin, meanwhile, claimed late Friday that he already had the votes to form a government.
“This will be a government for the people, that will help find a way out for the country … and return the power to the people,” Anutin said.
The removal of Paetongtarn adds to Thailand’s political uncertainty, with analysts warning of protracted negotiations, a fragile government, and possible protests from opposition forces demanding early elections.
“Appointing a new prime minister will be difficult and may take considerable time,” said Stithorn Thananithichot, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “Pheu Thai will be at a disadvantage.”
The crisis comes amid stalled reforms, economic challenges, and growing public frustration with the country’s political instability.
