Thai PM sacked over phone call amid border tensions

Talk with ex-Cambodian leader 'violated ethical standards'

- NAMITA SINGH STUTI MISHRA

Thailand's prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been dismissed following a ruling by the country's constitutional court yesterday over allegations she violated ministerial ethics in connection with a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Her dismissal comes weeks after her suspension and renewed border tensions between the two southeast Asian nations, shaking Thailand’s already fragile political landscape.

Yesterday, the constitutional court ordered the disqualification of Ms Shinawatra from office after finding her guilty of ethical misconduct over the leaked phone call. This makes Ms Paetongtarn the fifth prime minister since 2008 to be stripped of office by the powerful court.

“[Paetongtarn]’s actions did not preserve the nation’s pride and considered personal interest over the country’s, which seriously violated or failed to follow the ethical standards,” the court said in its verdict.

Her move has “caused the public to lose trust and faith towards the Thai premiership” and caused “grave damage” to her work, the court said. “It has caused the public to cast doubt if [her actions] would benefit Cambodia more than benefitting the nation’s interest.”

The move comes after a petition was filed accusing her of undermining Thailand’s military and national interest by describing a Thai Army commander as her “opponent” and referring to Mr Hun Sen in familial terms - calling him “uncle” - during a private conversation that was later leaked.

Ms Shinawatra’s duties were handed over to the deputy prime minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit in a caretaker capacity when she was suspended in July, and he is expected to continue in the role until a new prime minister is elected.