Thailand Prime Minister Dismissed Over Leaked Phone Call

● On August 29, 2025, Thailand’s Prime Minister Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra was dismissed from office by the Constitutional Court of Thailand over serious ethical breaches in a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen.

● Paetongtarn, a member of the powerful Shinawatra political family dynasty, became the country’s youngest PM in August 2024 and served a year in office.

● The case stemmed from a June call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen where Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as her “uncle” and a Thai military commander as her “opponent.” These remarks drew sharp criticism and led to her main coalition partner withdrawing support. She was suspended from office in July, 2025.

● The call leaked by Hun Sen himself and phone discussion preceded violent confrontations along the border resulting in multiple deaths and displacement of thousands.

● The nine judge panel ruled by a six to three majority that Paetongtarn, leader of the Pheu Thai Party had breached constitutional ethics, undermined national pride and prioritized personal interests over national concerns. The court did not accuse her of corruption but the judges said her words diminished public confidence in her role as Prime Minister.

● Paetongtarn defended her conduct, stating her intention was to safeguard national interests and to promote peace amid the border dispute.

● Caretaker PM Phumtham Wechayachai’s cabinet will remain in office until Parliament selects a new PM. The cabinet could also dissolve Parliament and call a new election.

● The dismissal of the PM marks another turbulent chapter in Thailand’s political landscape, as Paetongtarn, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra is the fifth prime minister removed by judicial action since 2008.