Bangkok – Thailand's political landscape was thrown into turmoil on friday, august 29, 2025, as the Constitutional Court ordered the dismissal of prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, deepening a crisis that has gripped the nation for months. The court's ruling found that Paetongtarn had committed a serious ethical violation, culminating a period of intense pressure from public protests, coalition fractures, and economic instability.
The case centered on a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen. The court ruled that during the call, Paetongtarn appeared overly deferential to the Cambodian leader and criticized a senior Thai army general, actions it deemed a violation of the prime minister's ethical standards. The leak of this conversation had previously ignited public outrage and fueled widespread protests demanding her resignation.
In the immediate aftermath of the verdict, deputy prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai has been appointed as acting prime minister. The Thai parliament is now tasked with selecting a new leader, a process fraught with complexity. The ruling Pheu Thai-led coalition, already weakened, now holds only a narrow majority. To be elected, a new prime ministerial candidate must secure a majority of 247 votes from the 492 sitting lawmakers.
The dismissal caps a period of escalating political instability. Even before the court's final decision, Paetongtarn's government was teetering. The Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner, withdrew its support, citing the phone call controversy as its reason for leaving the government. The United Thai Nation Party had also called for her resignation following the recent passage of the annual budget bill. Public opinion polls had shown significant support for her resignation as she struggled with domestic economic issues and rising tensions over a border dispute with Cambodia.
This political upheaval has sent shockwaves through Thailand's economy. Investor confidence has declined sharply, with the Thai baht weakening and the Stock Exchange of Thailand Index falling significantly. According to reports, foreign investors have withdrawn substantial funds from the Thai equity market in recent months. Key sectors like tourism and healthcare are also feeling the pressure from reduced consumer confidence and a potential slowdown in inbound travel.
Paetongtarn's ouster marks the latest chapter in the long-running political saga involving the Shinawatra family. Her removal continues a pattern of conflict between populist-backed, elected governments and the country's powerful conservative and royalist establishment, which includes the military and judiciary.
As Thailand faces a period of profound political and economic uncertainty, the focus shifts to the fractured parliament. Potential candidates for the premiership include Pheu Thai's Chaikasem Nitisiri, former Bhumjaithai minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and even retired general Prayuth Chan-ocha. The path to forming a stable government and restoring confidence appears challenging as the nation's political factions vie for power.