Thailand Court Removes PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Over Ethics Violation

Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for ethics violations related to a leaked telephone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen amid a contentious border dispute, ending her one-year tenure and marking the sixth time a Shinawatra family-backed leader has been removed by military or judicial intervention. The court ruled that her actions compromised national interests, damaged public trust, and favored Cambodia during rising tensions, leading to a five-day border conflict. This decision destabilizes the ruling Pheu Thai party's fragile coalition, weakening its bargaining power as parliament prepares to elect a new prime minister from a limited pool of candidates, including low-profile figures and opposition leaders. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as caretaker leader until a successor is chosen, but political uncertainty is expected to prolong the transition. The upheaval occurs amid economic challenges, with Thailand's GDP growth forecast at only 2.3%, raising concerns among business leaders and investors about potential impacts on tourism, exports, and stalled reforms. The ruling also casts doubt on the Shinawatra family's political resurgence and its reconciliation deal with the monarchy, signaling ongoing tensions between elected governments and conservative elites.