Thailand Court Dismisses PM Paetongtarn Over Cambodia Call

Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over an ethics violation related to a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen amid escalating border tensions. The court ruled that Paetongtarn prioritized personal interests and appeared aligned with Cambodia, damaging Thailand's reputation and public confidence. Her remarks in the call, including addressing Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticizing a Thai military general, sparked domestic outrage and contributed to political instability. Paetongtarn, the youngest Thai prime minister and daughter of influential tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, had been suspended since July and is the sixth premier from or backed by the Shinawatra family removed by military or judiciary actions in recent decades. The ruling dissolves her cabinet and leaves her party with a fragile majority, complicating the selection of her successor and deepening political turmoil. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to serve as caretaker leader until parliament elects a new prime minister.