Bangkok, Thailand — The political landscape in Thailand faced a significant upheaval following the dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court. This decision marks a major setback for the influential Shinawatra family, long regarded as a dominant force in the nation’s politics.

The court ruled against Paetongtarn, citing ethical violations stemming from a leaked phone conversation in June. In that call, the prime minister was recorded referring to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as “uncle” while simultaneously criticizing the Thai military amid escalating border tensions between the two countries. The recording, disclosed by Hun Sen himself, sparked outrage and led critics to accuse her of undermining the military’s authority.

In a closely contested decision, nine judges voted, resulting in a 6-3 verdict against the prime minister. The court articulated that her conduct raised ethical concerns that were inconsistent with the responsibilities of her position. Specifically, it stated that her relationship with Cambodia appeared questionable and dismissed her defense that her intentions were to promote peace without violence.

Paetongtarn expressed her disappointment with the ruling yet maintained that her efforts were aimed at protecting lives. The controversial phone call occurred during a time of heightened conflict at the Thai-Cambodian border, which eventually escalated into a violent clash, causing significant loss of life and displacing thousands.

At 39, Paetongtarn had only solidified her role in the Pheu Thai party in 2021 and quickly ascended to leadership after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was ousted for appointing a cabinet member with a criminal background. She now becomes the fifth prime minister to be dismissed by the Constitutional Court since 2008.

As the Pheu Thai party navigates this political turmoil, parliament is set to select a new leader. The party holds a slim majority in the legislature, which could make the process precarious, especially after losing support from its key coalition partner, the conservative Bhumjaithai party.

Court officials indicated that while a new leader can be chosen without dissolving parliament, a majority vote among members is essential to approve one of the five registered candidates. Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former justice minister, is being touted as the leading candidate to step into her role.

Paetongtarn’s removal is particularly significant for the Shinawatra family, whose influence has waned in recent years. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in a military coup in 2006, and her aunt, Yingluck, faced a similar fate in 2014 when the Constitutional Court dismissed her from office. Although Thaksin has largely stepped back from day-to-day politics, his legacy continues to loom large over Thailand’s political sphere.

As the fallout from this court ruling continues to unfold, questions remain about the future of the Shinawatra family’s political influence and the broader implications for Thailand’s governance. With the political landscape more uncertain than ever, the effects of this decision could resonate throughout the nation for years to come.