The Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been removed by the Constitutional Court, forcing politics in the country into uncertainty and dealing a blow to its most powerful political dynasty.
Shinawatra was dismissed for ethics violation in a leaked phone call in June, where she could be heard calling Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former leader, “uncle” , as well as, criticising the army of Thailand, in the midst of worsening border tensions with Cambodia.
The call which was leaked by Hun Sen himself, shattered her reputation and she was accused by critics of weakening the country’s army.
The Court’s verdict makes Shinawatra, the daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, the fifth Prime Minister to be removed from office since 2008 by the court.
Nine Judges in the Court voted six to three against Shinawatra on Friday, ruling that her actions had breached ethical standards expected of her position.
Shinawatra admitted the court’s judgment, however, said she was doing what she had to do to save lives.
Her replacement will be decided by parliament, where her party has a tiny majority after its main opposition partner, the conservative Bhumjaithai party, pulled out its support over her call.
Parliament does not have to be dismissed in order to choose a new Prime Minister, however, a majority of MPs are needed to support one of five registered candidates.
Photo: Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (removed) | Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters
