In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been removed from her post by the Constitutional Court, a move that has thrown the country's political landscape into disarray. The decision comes in the wake of a leaked phone call from June, during which Paetongtarn, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, criticized the Thai army and referred to Cambodian leader Hun Sen in a familiar manner, calling him 'uncle'. This breach of ethical conduct, as deemed by the court, has raised concerns over her loyalty amidst rising tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border.
The court ruled by a vote of 6-3 that Paetongtarn violated the ethical standards expected of her office, dismissing her defense that the conversation was merely a 'personal negotiation' aimed at restoring peace without violence. In its verdict, the court stated her actions could undermine national interests in favor of Cambodia's, potentially impacting her governance credibility.
Paetongtarn had only recently ascended to her role after the removal of her predecessor due to similar court interventions and had joined the Pheu Thai party in 2021. Her ousting has now opened up political avenues for her one-time coalition partner, the conservative Bhumjaithai party, which has expressed its intent to form a new government.
Her family's lineage in Thai politics is notable — Paetongtarn is the third Shinawatra to have their term curtailed, following her father's deposing in a military coup and her aunt's judicial removal. While Thaksin remains a significant figure in Thai politics, the recent court ruling raises questions about the future influence of the Shinawatra name and the implications of this political upheaval on the nation.
The court ruled by a vote of 6-3 that Paetongtarn violated the ethical standards expected of her office, dismissing her defense that the conversation was merely a 'personal negotiation' aimed at restoring peace without violence. In its verdict, the court stated her actions could undermine national interests in favor of Cambodia's, potentially impacting her governance credibility.
Paetongtarn had only recently ascended to her role after the removal of her predecessor due to similar court interventions and had joined the Pheu Thai party in 2021. Her ousting has now opened up political avenues for her one-time coalition partner, the conservative Bhumjaithai party, which has expressed its intent to form a new government.
Her family's lineage in Thai politics is notable — Paetongtarn is the third Shinawatra to have their term curtailed, following her father's deposing in a military coup and her aunt's judicial removal. While Thaksin remains a significant figure in Thai politics, the recent court ruling raises questions about the future influence of the Shinawatra name and the implications of this political upheaval on the nation.
