Thai court sacks PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra over leaked phone call with Cambodia's leader

The Thailand Constitutional Court also said that the prime minister lacked qualifications under the Constitution.

Updated on: Aug 29, 2025, 15:25:44 IST

By HT News Desk

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Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been dismissed from office by the country's Constitutional Court just one year into her term after being found guilty of violating ethical standards.

Thailand's Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been dismissed as prime minister. (Bloomberg)

A court on Friday ruled that she violated ethics rules after leaking a phone call with Cambodia's former leader.

The Thai Constitutional Court also said that the prime minister lacked qualifications under the Constitution.

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After the court's verdict, deputy premier Phumtham Wechayachai and the current cabinet will oversee the government in a caretaker capacity until a new prime minister is chosen by parliament, on a date to be decided by the house speaker.

Who are the possible PM candidates?

There are five remaining eligible candidates from those declared before the 2023 election.

Pheu Thai initially had three but is now left with only one: Chaikasem Nitisiri, 77, a former justice minister and attorney general who has kept a low profile but has said he is ready to step up.

Another possibility is Anutin Charnvirakul, 58, an ambitious former interior minister and deputy premier whose Bhumjaithai party quit Paetongtarn's coalition in June.

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Also eligible are current Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former deputy prime minister Jurin Laksanawisit, and ex-premier Prayuth Chan-ocha, a general who led a 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government. Prayuth, 71, is retired from politics and is currently a royal adviser.

A candidate needs the endorsement of 50 lawmakers before the House can vote. The backing of more than half of the lower house's current 492 members - or 247 votes - is required to become prime minister.

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If the candidate fails, the house must convene again, and the process will be repeated for any other candidates nominated until a prime minister is chosen. There is no time limit on the process.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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