The Constitutional Court of Thailand has reached a verdict in the high-profile ethics case against Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ruling to dismiss her from the post of prime minister after reviewing an audio recording of a conversation with Cambodia’s Hun Sen.
In its decision, the court found that Paetongtarn failed to demonstrate the qualities of strong leadership, adding that her exchange with Hun Sen did not exhibit the negotiation skills she had claimed.
As a result, the court judged that Paetongtarn had not upheld the ethical standards expected of the country’s leader. The court’s decision also entails the dissolution of the entire cabinet following Paetongtarn’s removal.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has ruled to terminate the premiership of Paetongtarn Shinawatra after findings that she breached constitutional morality and ethical standards. The decision, delivered by a 6-to-3 majority among the court’s judges, comes after a parliamentary petition examining her conduct in a private phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which was publicized in the media on June 18.
A group of 36 senators submitted a formal complaint to the Senate President, questioning Paetongtarn’s suitability to remain in office. The complaint focused on an audio clip in which Thailand’s prime minister was heard in conversation with Hun Sen.
While Paetongtarn acknowledged the authenticity of the recording, she defended the conversation as a private attempt to maintain diplomatic peace and safeguard national sovereignty. However, the senators argued that her perceived passivity and alleged failure to assert Thailand’s position constituted a dereliction of prime ministerial duty and indicated personal ties with Hun Sen that could undermine national interests.
The petitioners further accused Paetongtarn of lacking integrity, citing concerns over her handling of issues involving a key military commander believed to be at odds with her, and claimed that she committed a serious infraction against established standards of official ethics and honesty.
After deliberating, a majority of Constitutional Court judges concurred that Paetongtarn’s status as prime minister should be revoked in accordance with the constitution. The removal automatically triggers the dissolution of the entire Cabinet.
Following the court’s verdict, Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued a statement acknowledging the decision and expressing her acceptance of the ruling. She emphasized that her actions had always been motivated by a genuine desire to serve and benefit the country. Paetongtarn also conveyed her support for the incoming government, wishing them well in their efforts to lead and serve the nation.
