Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed suspended Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from office after finding her guilty of ethical misconduct over a controversial phone call with former Cambodian leader, Hun Sen.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, makes Paetongtarn the fifth Thai prime minister to be ousted by the courts since 2008, plunging the country into political uncertainty and raising the possibility of a snap election.
The nine-judge panel ruled 6–3 that the 39-year-old leader had “seriously violated” ethical standards by prioritizing personal ties over national interests during a border conflict with Cambodia. In a leaked call, Paetongtarn was heard referring to Hun Sen as “uncle” while criticizing a senior Thai army commander, a move the court said undermined public trust.
The border dispute later escalated into armed clashes, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced on both sides.
Speaking after the verdict, Paetongtarn defended her actions, saying she had acted in Thailand’s best interests and called for political unity.
Friday’s verdict marks the second time in a year that Thailand’s Constitutional Court has ousted a prime minister, after Srettha Thavisin’s removal over alleged ethical breaches.
