Thai PM Shinawatra ousted over ethics breach

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was dismissed from office on Thursday by Thailand’s Constitutional Court after being found guilty of an ethics violation, ending her tenure just one year after taking office.

The court ruled that Paetongtarn, 39, violated ethical standards during a leaked phone call in June in which she appeared overly deferential to former Cambodian leader Hun Sen amid rising border tensions. Armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces broke out several weeks later and lasted for five days.

In its decision, the court stated that her conduct compromised Thailand’s national interest and dignity. Paetongtarn has apologized for the call, saying she was trying to avoid armed conflict.

Her removal marks another blow to the powerful Shinawatra political dynasty, which has seen six of its affiliated prime ministers ousted by either the military or judiciary over the past two decades. Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister and a political newcomer when she succeeded Srettha Thavisin following his court-ordered removal last year.

Parliament must now elect a new prime minister, but the process is expected to be slow and politically fraught. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as caretaker leader in the interim.

The ruling Pheu Thai party, which leads a narrow coalition, now faces a weakened negotiating position. The coalition may struggle to hold together as rival factions jostle for power.

Five individuals are eligible to replace Paetongtarn, including only one from Pheu Thai: 77-year-old Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney general with limited political experience. Other potential candidates include former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led a 2014 coup against a previous Pheu Thai government, and Anutin Charnvirakul, who recently pulled his party from the coalition.

Paetongtarn is the fifth prime minister in 17 years to be removed by Thailand’s Constitutional Court, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between elected populist governments and conservative elites aligned with the military and monarchy.

The political turmoil comes as Thailand faces growing economic concerns. The central bank forecasts just 2.3% GDP growth for the year, and promised reforms remain stalled.

Analysts warn that forming a new government may take time and could destabilize the already fragile political landscape.

“Appointing a new prime minister will be difficult and may take considerable time,” said Stithorn Thananithichot, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “Pheu Thai will be at a disadvantage.”

With tensions high and public dissatisfaction simmering, observers say another period of political instability may lie ahead.