BANGKOK – Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on ethics grounds following a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia’s Hun Sen, which implicated the premier in compromising remarks during rising border tensions. The ruling—issued in a 6–3 decision—determined that her deference to Hun Sen and criticism of the Thai military undermined national pride and violated the constitutional standards of office.
Paetongtarn, who made history as the country’s youngest prime minister, becomes yet another leader from the Shinawatra dynasty (including her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck) removed by unelected institutions—continuing a decades-long power struggle between elected populists and Thailand’s conservative establishment. Following the verdict, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, already serving since her suspension in July, has continued in a caretaker capacity while Parliament prepares for a vote on a new premier.
Anutin Charnvirakul claims parlamentary backing
In the immediate aftermath, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, proclaimed he has garnered sufficient support to form a new government. Bhumjaithai, which exited the Pheu Thai-led coalition in June, now claims backing from key parties—including the People’s Party (holding 142 seats), Palang Pracharath, Kla Tham, United Thai Nation, Thai Sang Thai, and several minor parties—securing around 279 votes in the 500-member House.
The Kla Tham Party specifically affirmed its support for Anutin, with conditions that uphold the monarchy’s sanctity and prioritize farmers’ welfare—both of which Bhumjaithai accepted. He has pledged to dissolve Parliament within four months and call elections after establishing a transitional, crisis-managing government.
Pheu Thai Attempts to Retain Grip Amid Fracturing Alliance
Despite the ouster of Paetongtarn, the Pheu Thai Party (backed by the Shinawatra clan) insists it still commands enough support to hold power, though its lack of a stable coalition partner weakens its claim. Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai has signaled continued coalition talks with the People’s Party—but Pheu Thai’s marginal position following defections and distrust of unelected institutions clouds its prospects.
Standoff Looms Ahead of Parliamentary Vote
Parliament is scheduled to convene between September 3–5 to elect a new prime minister. Under the constitution, a candidate must secure votes from the majority of sitting members in the Lower House. Without a clear frontrunner or broad mandate, Thailand risks entering a period of political gridlock at a time when its economy is fragile – hurt by high household debt, the impact of U.S. tariffs, and shaken investor confidence.
The Federation of Thai Industries warned that delays in forming a government could derail budget execution, trade talks, and resolution of border disputes with Cambodia—jeopardizing the $550 billion economy. Analysts caution that a hastily cobbled coalition may prioritize internal rent-seeking over coherent economic policies—potentially eroding Thailand’s place in the regional manufacturing and investment landscape.
What Sparked Paetongtarn’s Ouster?
Paetongtarn rose to power in August 2024 following the abrupt removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, becoming the second woman and the youngest person ever to serve as Thailand’s prime minister. Her short tenure, however, was overshadowed by her father Thaksin’s enduring influence and the fragile coalition she led.
The tipping point came with a leaked 17-minute June 15 phone call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, Cambodia’s Senate President, in which she addressed him as “uncle” and appeared to disparage a Thai general amid border confrontations that later escalated into armed clashes with dozens of fatalities.
This scandal triggered a formal ethics complaint by senators and led to her suspension by the Constitutional Court on July 1 pending investigation. The court ultimately ruled in late August that the call—despite her stated intentions—undermined public trust and national dignity, breaching her ethical obligations. She now joins a long list of Shinawatra-affiliated leaders ousted by unelected bodies, reinforcing criticism of Thailand’s political system meddled by conservative forces.
Looking Ahead: Critical Vote and Uncertain Transition
As parties position themselves ahead of the early September parliamentary vote, Anutin appears well placed—with public endorsements and broad cross-party support—to claim leadership. Yet without widespread legitimacy, his potential government may be short-lived.
Thailand now stands at a crossroads: whether an uneasy coalition can steer the country through concurrent security, economic, and social crises—or if ongoing instability will force another early election in the coming months. (zai)