Thailand has entered another period of political uncertainty after the constitutional court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. The court found that she violated ethical standards following a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen.
In the call which took place in June and was later made public by Cambodia‘s former leader himself. Thailand’s Prime Minister referred to him as Uncle and criticised the Thai Army. The conversation came at a time of rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. Critics accused her of showing favouritism to Cambodia and awakening Thailand’s political position.
There was a nine-judge panel that voted 6 to 3 against her. The court said in her words it seemed that she cared more for Cambodia’s interest than Thailand. While Paetongtarn argued that she was only trying to prevent violence and protect lives. The ruling found the actions to be against the ethical duties of a prime minister.
Impact of Thai Politics and The Shinawatra Family
Paetongtarn, who is just 39 years old, was seen as the new phase of the Shinawatra family as a long training political influence. She only joined the Pheu Thai party in 2021 and became prime minister after her predecessor was dismissed earlier this year.
This removal is a major setback for the powerful Shinawatra dynasty. She is now the third member of her family to have her premiership cut short. Her father was overthrown in a military coup in 2006 while her aunt was removed by the constitutional court in 2014.
New Government Plans and Border Concerns
Soon after the Prime Minister dismissed her former coalition partner, the conservative Bhumjaithai party, it had enough support from other parties to form the next government. The party’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, is expected to become the next prime minister of Thailand.
Bhumjaithai has already outlined its priority, such as to resolve the border dispute with Cambodia and to dissolve Parliament within the next four months, preparing the way for new elections.
The leak call that caused Paetongtarn’s downfall had come at a very sensitive moment. The border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated into a five-day conflict, not long after leaving, and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes near the border. The court said her words during the time met whether she put Cambodia’s interest above Thailand’s.
A Turning Point in Thailand’s Political Future
Thailand has a long history of political upheaval, with courts and the military playing a major role in removing leaders. Paetongtarn is now the fifth prime minister to be removed by the constitutional court since 2008 in Thailand. Departure marks are very critical. Turning point in Thailand’s politics. For many people, it raises doubts about whether the elected government can remain stable in the face of court, rolling, and military influence.
FAQs
- Why was Thailand’s Prime Minister removed?Â
Thailand’s Prime Minister was removed after the constitutional court found out that she leaked phone calls with Cambodia’s former leader, showing unethical behaviour.
- What did Thailand’s Prime Minister say on a call with Cambodia’s leader?
She called the Cambodian leader Uncle and criticised the Thai army during rising border tensions.
- Who will be the new prime minister of Thailand?
The Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to form a new government takeover as the prime minister of Thailand.
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