Court sacks Thai PM over Cambodia phone call row

Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ruling that she violated ethics rules in a phone call with a high-ranking Cambodian official.

- Associated Press

The decision ends the term of the nation's youngest prime minister and delivers the latest blow to the powerful Shinawatra political dynasty that has dominated Thai politics for more than two decades.

In a 6-3 vote, the judges found that Paetongtarn's conduct in a June 15 call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen compromised national interests.

The call, which became public just weeks before a deadly border conflict erupted between the two countries, sparked outrage in Thailand.

Audio of the conversation revealed Paetongtarn addressing Hun Sen as “uncle” and appearing to criticise a Thai army general as an “opponent” while discussing the tense border situation.

The court said that “due to a personal relationship that appeared aligned with Cambodia, the respondent was consistently willing to comply with or act in accordance with the wishes of the Cambodian side.”

It added in its statement explaining its ruling that her reference to the Thai general “lacked demonstrable honesty and integrity, and seriously violated or failed to comply with ethical standards.”