Thailand’s Prime Minister, Phatthana Shinawatra, has been removed from office by the Constitutional Court for violating ethics by prioritizing personal interests over national security. The ruling, passed by a 6-3 majority, ends her term after just one year in power.
The case centered on a leaked phone call in which Phatthana appeared to support former Cambodian leader Hun Sen while the two countries were nearing an armed border conflict. Fighting broke out shortly afterward.
This is the latest blow to the Shinawatra political dynasty—Phatthana is the sixth prime minister from or backed by the family to be ousted by military or judicial action. Her removal deepens political uncertainty in Thailand, which is already dealing with economic challenges and public unrest.
A caretaker government led by the deputy prime minister will remain in place until parliament elects a new leader. The process may be complicated due to the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s weakened majority and fragile coalition.
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