Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been ordered to vacate her position with immediate effect, following a ruling by the Thai Constitutional Court on Friday. The decision stems from concerns raised regarding ethical conduct, specifically in relation to a previously leaked phone conversation.
The court cited a breach of ethical standards, asserting that Shinawatra’s actions did not uphold the “pride of the nation” and prioritized personal interests over those of the country. Judges indicated her behaviour had generated public questions concerning her allegiances, suggesting possible favouritism towards Cambodia over Thailand’s national interests and eroding public trust in the government.
The ruling follows a suspension in July, triggered by a leaked telephone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen concerning a longstanding border dispute between the two nations.
Public outcry and a subsequent petition were fuelled by a segment of the conversation in which Shinawatra addressed Sen as “Uncle” and pledged to address his “needs”. Shinawatra initially defended the exchange as a strategic negotiating tactic. However, she has accepted the court’s decision.
This ruling marks the fifth time since 2008 that the Thai Constitutional Court has removed a Prime Minister from office.