Bangkok, Thailand-
The Thai Constitutional Court on August 29th, 2025, removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, citing serious ethical violations stemming from a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen.
The 39-year-old, who had served as Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister for just about a year, addressed the nation shortly after the verdict in a press conference at Government House in Bangkok. Her remarks, delivered with composure despite the gravity of the situation, stated her intentions to protect lives, her acceptance of the court’s decision, and a plea for national unity to restore stability.
Paetongtarn, the daughter of influential former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and niece of ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, became the fifth leader since 2008 to be ousted by the court—and the third from her own family. The ruling, passed by a 6-3 vote among the nine judges, accused her of prioritizing personal interests over national ones during the June 15th, 2025, call, which occurred amid escalating border tensions with Cambodia. In the leaked audio, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle,” criticized a senior Thai army commander as an “opponent,” and appeared overly deferential, offering to accommodate his requests. The court deemed these actions a breach of ethical standards, stating they “caused the public to lose trust and faith towards the Thai premiership” and inflicted “grave damage” to her role.
The controversy erupted after the call was leaked on June 18th, just as border disputes boiled over into armed clashes, eventually resulting in dozens of deaths and the displacement of over 300,000 people. Critics, including opposition senators who filed the petition leading to her suspension on July 1st, argued that Paetongtarn’s tone undermined Thailand’s sovereignty and military integrity, especially given the longstanding personal ties between the Shinawatra family and the Hun family. Paetongtarn had previously defended the conversation as a “negotiation technique” aimed at de-escalating tensions, apologizing to the Thai people for any unease caused but insisting it was not an act of disloyalty.
Key Statements from Paetongtarn’s Press Conference
Addressing reporters hours after the court’s decision, Paetongtarn spoke for several minutes, striking a tone of humility and patriotism. Her full remarks included the following highlights:
– **On Her Intentions and Defense:** “All I wanted was to safeguard the lives of people, whether soldiers or civilians. I was determined to do all I can to protect their lives before the violent clashes.” She reiterated that her actions were driven by a desire to prevent further bloodshed, stating that she “never asked for anything for my own benefit” and had always prioritized the well-being of Thais.
– **Acceptance of the Verdict:** “This is another time that the court’s decision has created a sudden political change. As a Thai, I love my nation, religion, and His Royal Majesty the King. Thank you everyone who gave me knowledge and experience.” Paetongtarn explicitly stated she accepted the judgment, avoiding direct criticism of the court.
– **Call for Unity:** “In a time like this, everyone must come together to contribute to our nation’s stability… We must all work together, whether in government or opposition, to restore our political stability.” She urged political parties to work together, warning that division could increase Thailand’s challenges, including economic woes and the ongoing border crisis.
– **Patriotic Affirmation:** “As a Thai, I love my nation, religion, and monarchy with all my heart, as much as any Thai can.”
Paetongtarn’s composure during the conference was notable; she appeared emotional at times but maintained a professional demeanor, waving to supporters as she left Government House. Supporters from the Pheu Thai Party, including “Red Shirt” activists, gathered outside, some in tears, viewing the ruling as an attempt to dismantle the Shinawatra dynasty.
Parliament is scheduled for a special session from September 3-5 to select a new leader from a pre-approved list of candidates from the 2023 election. Pheu Thai’s remaining nominee, 77-year-old former Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, is one option, but the party’s coalition holds only a slim majority after the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew support over the scandal. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul has emerged as a potential alternative, pledging to dissolve parliament within four months if he assumes power as we reported here.
Meanwhile, the overall border conflict with Cambodia remains unresolved, adding to regional tensions.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
