Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. This decision came about due to a phone conversation she had with Cambodia's former Prime Minister and President of the Parliament, Hun Sen.
Thailand: Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on allegations of reaching an agreement over the phone with the Cambodian leader. Shinawatra was accused of violating constitutional rules related to ethics. Notably, due to these allegations, the Constitutional Court of Thailand had suspended her from office in July, and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai was assigned the responsibility of Prime Minister in her place.
Allegations of Constitutional Violation
Shinawatra faced allegations of violating constitutional rules and serious ethical misconduct. The court had suspended her from office in July itself, entrusting Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai with the interim charge of the Prime Minister's post. Now, following the court's verdict, Shinawatra's term has officially ended.
According to the Constitutional Court's decision, Phumtham Wechayachai will assume responsibilities as the acting Prime Minister, and he also has the option to dissolve parliament and call for new elections.
Phone Conversation and Controversy
On May 8th, violent clashes occurred on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Tensions escalated after these clashes, and efforts to establish peace between the two countries intensified. In this context, Shinawatra had a phone conversation with Hun Sen. During the conversation, she discussed the removal of restrictions at the border. However, during this conversation, Shinawatra allegedly referred to Thai army commanders as adversaries and addressed Hun Sen as 'Uncle'. This detail, after being leaked in Thailand, created a political storm.
Following the leak of the audio from the phone conversation, protests erupted in Thailand. Right-wing parties criticized Shinawatra, stating that this move made Thailand appear weak before Cambodia. A coalition partner government also withdrew its support. Due to mounting political pressure, Shinawatra had to step down from the Prime Minister's post.
