Thai PM ousting: Paetongtarn Shinawatra removed by top court
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Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an ethics violation, deepening political uncertainty and setting off a scramble for power among rival parties.
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Suspended Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra waves as she leaves the Government House after being dismissed from her position, in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office on Friday by Thailand’s Constitutional Court over an ethics violation, marking yet another blow to the influential Shinawatra political dynasty.
The ruling follows a leaked phone call from June in which Paetongtarn appeared to defer to former Cambodian leader Hun Sen amid rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
The court ruled, in a 6–3 decision, that Paetongtarn placed her personal affiliations above national interests, damaging Thailand’s reputation during a sensitive period that later escalated into a five-day armed conflict.
The removal of Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister has triggered intense political negotiations, with the ruling Pheu Thai party scrambling to retain its grip on power. Paetongtarn, 39, was thrust into leadership following the sudden dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the same court.
Her exit has weakened the Pheu Thai-led coalition, which now faces a challenge in preserving its narrow parliamentary majority. The Bhumjaithai Party, which had earlier exited the coalition over the controversial call, quickly emerged as a frontrunner in forming a new government.
Read more: Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating ceasefire by planting landmines
Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul began urgent talks with political factions across Bangkok, promising early elections within four months if a new alliance is formed.
Caretaker government and parliament's next move
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is serving as caretaker until a new prime minister is elected. Parliament has called a special session from September 3–5, although it has not yet scheduled a vote on the new premier.
Phumtham stated that the coalition remains intact and is working to agree on a new candidate, with Pheu Thai still at its center.
Five individuals are eligible to become Thailand’s next prime minister. Pheu Thai’s sole candidate is 77-year-old Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney general with minimal cabinet experience.
Other potential contenders include former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, now retired, and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin, who on Friday claimed he had secured enough parliamentary support to lead the next government.
"This will be a government for the people, that will help find a way out for the country ... and return the power to the people," Anutin stated.
Read more: Thailand, Cambodia agree to immediate ceasefire after deadly clashes
Public sentiment and future uncertainty in Thailand
Paetongtarn becomes the fifth Thai PM in 17 years to be removed by the Constitutional Court, underscoring the judiciary’s central role in the country’s long-standing political divide.
The ruling adds to mounting public frustration over slow reforms and economic stagnation. Analysts warn of prolonged political gridlock, with Pheu Thai potentially facing street protests and legislative hurdles if it retains power.
“Appointing a new prime minister... will be difficult and may take considerable time,” said Chulalongkorn University political scientist Stithorn Thananithichot. “Pheu Thai will be at a disadvantage.”
Despite her removal, Paetongtarn appealed for unity.
"All I wanted was to safeguard the lives of people, whether soldiers or civilians," she said. "I was determined to do all I can to protect their lives before the violent clashes."
