BANGKOK — Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office after finding her guilty of gross ethical misconduct for comments made during a private conversation with Cambodian leader Hun Sen about a deadly border clash. The ruling also dissolved her entire cabinet.

Constitutional Court Accelerates Timeline in Paetongtarn-Hun Sen Call Case

The court determined that Paetongtarn’s remarks—which included referring to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticizing a senior Thai military commander—breached ethical standards expected of a prime minister and constituted a misuse of power. Her premiership effectively ended on July 1, when the court suspended her pending the outcome of the investigation.

Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand’s youngest premier and the second woman to hold the office when she was sworn in last August. She is the third member of the Shinawatra family to lead the country.

The case was initiated by 36 senators who petitioned the court to review a leaked audio clip of the conversation, which was shared by Hun Sen’s office. In the recording, Paetongtarn is heard urging Hun Sen not to be swayed by critics, specifically mentioning Lt. Gen. Boonsin Paadklang, commander of the Second Army Region, whom she accused of seeking personal gain rather than national benefit.

BREAKING
The Thai Constitutional Court ruled to disqualify the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over the leaked call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. The cabinet members are also disqualified.

The new PM will be chosen from the remaining candidates:

Chaikasem… pic.twitter.com/Jxp817nxV2

— Prachatai English (@prachatai_en) August 29, 2025

The prime minister defended her remarks during the investigation, stating that she used a “soft,” off-the-record approach to de-escalate tensions and protect Thailand’s sovereignty. She insisted the conversation contained no suggestion of compromising national interests and was intended to encourage Cambodia to reveal its expectations openly.

Public outrage intensified after the clip went viral, particularly over her statement that she was “willing to do anything” Hun Sen asked. The court ultimately rejected her defense, ruling that her language undermined the dignity of her office and crossed ethical boundaries.

Constitutional Court to Rule on Paetongtarn’s Controversial Hun Sen Call

The decision plunges Thailand into political uncertainty as the country grapples with ongoing border tensions with Cambodia and domestic challenges. An interim government is expected to be appointed until new elections are held.

-Thailand News (TN)