Thai Court Removes Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Marking Sixth Ouster for Shinawatra-Backed Premier in Two Decades

Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for an ethics violation, concluding her premiership after only a year. The ruling marks the sixth instance of a premier from or backed by the influential Shinawatra family being removed by the military or judiciary in a tumultuous two-decade power struggle within the country's elite. Paetongtarn, 39, becomes the third member of her immediate family to be ousted from the top political post.

The court's 6-3 decision found that Ms. Shinawatra violated ethical standards during a leaked June telephone call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen. During the call, which occurred as both nations faced an armed border conflict, she appeared to show deference to Hun Sen and reportedly criticized the Thai army. The court stated that her actions placed private interests before those of the nation, damaging the country's reputation and public confidence.

Ms. Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, both of whom were previously removed from power, defended her actions. She stated that her intention was to "safeguard the lives of people, whether soldiers or civilians," and that she was determined to protect lives before violent clashes erupted. Despite her apology for the leaked call, the Constitutional Court dismissed her claims that it was a "personal negotiation to... bring back peace without using violence."

The verdict immediately dissolved her cabinet and thrusts Thailand into further political uncertainty. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as caretaker until parliament elects a new prime minister. The ruling Pheu Thai party, now facing a challenge to maintain its fragile coalition, has nominated 77-year-old Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney general, as its candidate for the premiership.

Analysts suggest this latest judicial intervention underscores the Constitutional Court's central role in Thailand's ongoing power struggles, often seen as aligning with conservative and royalist forces against elected governments. The political instability comes at a time of simmering public unease over stalled reforms and a stuttering economy, with the central bank projecting only 2.3% growth this year. The process of selecting a new leader is expected to be drawn out and difficult, as parties navigate a complex political landscape.