Thailand: Prime Minister removed over phone call with Cambodian leader

The Constitutional Court of Thailand has removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen, the President of Cambodia’s Senate, in which she was heard calling him “uncle” while the two countries were in conflict. After the call was leaked, Paetongtarn was accused of showing weakness and disrespecting Thailand’s military as it engaged in fighting. On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled against her. Of the nine judges, six found that she had violated ethical standards. The Court stated that her actions breached the conduct exp

The Constitutional Court of Thailand has removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen, the President of Cambodia’s Senate, in which she was heard calling him “uncle” while the two countries were in conflict. After the call was leaked, Paetongtarn was accused of showing weakness and disrespecting Thailand’s military as it engaged in fighting. On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled against her. Of the nine judges, six found that she had violated ethical standards. The Court stated that her actions breached the conduct expected of a national leader and raised doubts about whether her behavior favored Cambodia’s interests over Thailand’s. Paetongtarn accepted the verdict but maintained that her intention was to save lives. Clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces broke out on July 24, 2025, around the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple after Thai soldiers were injured by landmines on July 16 and 23. Shortly after these incidents, Paetongtarn held the controversial phone call with Hun Sen, during which they discussed ways to stop the fighting. The conflict continued until both countries agreed to a ceasefire brokered with the involvement of the United States.