Thai Constitutional Court Dismisses Paetongtarn From Office

BANGKOK, Aug 29 (Bernama) --Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister over ethics and integrity violations.

In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled that the 39-year-old failed to uphold the ethical standards required of a premier during her June call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen.

Paetongtarn, Thailand’s youngest prime minister who had served just a year in office, was temporarily suspended on July 1 when the court agreed to hear the case against her.

In a statement on Friday, the court said Paetongtarn lacked the qualifications and possessed prohibited characteristics under Section 160(5) of the Thai constitution.

Following today’s court decision, the Cabinet must vacate office under constitutional requirements.

Meanwhile, Paetongtarn, flanked by her Cabinet ministers, said she accepted the ruling, describing the verdict as another sudden turning point in Thai politics.

She reaffirmed her sincerity and commitment to serving the nation.

“I would like to tell the people once again that what I have always valued most are the lives of our citizens, whether military or civilian. My true intention, with determination from the heart, has always been to find ways to protect their lives.

“As a Thai, I hold in my heart the deepest love for the nation, religion, and the monarchy, to the fullest extent that any Thai person can. I will always uphold this commitment.

“Form now on, I send my encouragement to the entire administration as it continues developing the nation. I will follow closely, offering my support and positive energy to Thailand always. Thank you,” she told reporters at the Government House. 

Paetongtarn also thanked those who had supported her throughout her tenure as prime minister.

On June 19, 36 senators petitioned the charter court, accusing Paetongtarn of violating ethical standards and failing to protect Thailand’s national interests and dignity during a leaked conversation with Hun Sen.

On July 1, the nine-member court unanimously accepted the petition and voted 7–2 to suspend Paetongtarn from duty pending the final verdict, which was scheduled for August 29.

The leaked phone call, reportedly recorded without Paetongtarn’s knowledge and later posted on Hun Sen’s social media, appeared to show the Thai premier seeking to appease the Cambodian leader while criticising Thailand’s 2nd Army commander for restricting cross-border movement.

Paetongtarn apologised for the leaked call, saying her remarks were intended to ease tensions and achieve peaceful negotiations.

-- BERNAMA