Thailand’s constitutional court ousts PM over controversial border talk

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, ruling that she committed serious ethical misconduct during a private conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen about a deadly border clash between the two countries. This decision also means the removal of her entire Cabinet.

The court found that Paetongtarn’s remarks breached the ethical standards expected of a prime minister and involved misuse of power. She had already been suspended since July 1, pending the court’s investigation, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister and only the second woman to hold the position after her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. She took office last August following royal approval, becoming the third Shinawatra family member to lead the country.

The case arose after 36 senators filed a petition requesting a review of a leaked recording of Paetongtarn’s conversation with Hun Sen. The senators argued her comments showed gross ethical misconduct and dishonesty.

In the recording, which was leaked by the Cambodian side, the two leaders exchanged pleasantries about their health before discussing the tense border dispute. Speaking through a translator, Paetongtarn expressed a shared desire for peace.

Addressing Hun Sen as “uncle,” she urged him to disregard critics, specifically mentioning Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region.

“After hearing what he said, I don’t want you to be upset or frustrated because, actually, it is not our intention,” she said. “He can do everything to make himself look smart, but what he said wasn’t beneficial to the nation.”

Public outrage grew when she was heard asking Hun Sen what he wanted and stating she was willing to do anything he requested.

In her defence, Paetongtarn said at a press briefing, “I was using an ‘off-the-record approach in a private conversation’ to de-escalate tensions. The technique should not have been revealed.”

She added, “I feel that I have the goal to maintain national peace… I used soft words,” noting that she normally referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” in private talks.

Paetongtarn maintained the conversation was private and aimed at preserving peace and protecting Thailand’s sovereignty. She argued her actions did not harm the dignity of her office and did not suggest trading Thailand’s interests for those of another country.

She explained her strategy was to encourage the Cambodian side to reveal their expectations first, using a question-based, interest-led negotiation to resolve the dispute.

By Sabina Mammadli