Thai PM Ousted by Court Decision Following Controversial Leaked Phone Call with Cambodian Leader

Thailand’s political scene has been shaken up with the removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court. This decision marks a significant moment for the Shinawatra family, one of the most influential political dynasties in the country.

Paetongtarn faced dismissal due to a leaked phone call from June, where she referred to Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, as “uncle” and criticized the Thai army amidst rising border tensions. This leak, shared by Hun Sen, led critics to accuse her of undermining the military. The Constitutional Court ruled against her, citing a violation of ethical standards expected from someone in her position. The judges voted six to three, stating that her actions raised concerns about national interests being compromised for personal connections.

While Paetongtarn acknowledged the court’s decision, she maintained that her intentions were to promote peace and save lives. The leaked conversation gained attention as it coincided with escalating conflicts at the Thai-Cambodian border, which later turned deadly, forcing many to flee their homes.

At just 39 years old, Paetongtarn had only been in her role since 2021. She took over after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was also dismissed by the court for ethical breaches involving his Cabinet. Now, the Pheu Thai party, where Paetongtarn rose to power, must select her replacement through parliament, where it holds a slim majority.

Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former justice minister at 77, is the party’s candidate to fill her shoes. Another front-runner is Anutin Charnvirakul from the conservative Bhumjaithai party, which has withdrawn its support for Paetongtarn.

The Shinawatra family has dominated Thai politics for years. This latest setback serves as a reminder of the turbulent history they have faced. Paetongtarn is the third member of her family to see her political career abruptly end; her father, Thaksin, was ousted by a military coup in 2006, and her aunt, Yingluck, was removed by the court in 2014.

Despite stepping back from active politics, Thaksin continues to wield considerable influence. As Thailand moves forward, many are wondering how the Shinawatra legacy will be affected by this latest political upheaval.

This situation reflects broader trends in Southeast Asia, where political instability remains a significant issue. For instance, a recent survey found that nearly 70% of Thais feel uncertain about the future of their country’s governance. These feelings echo across social media, where reactions range from disappointment to calls for change, reflecting the public’s desire for stability and effective leadership.

For more on Thailand’s ongoing political landscape, you can explore resources like the Bangkok Post and The Nation Thailand.

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