Bangkok: Thailand's Constitutional Court has removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office following a ruling on ethics violations. The entire Cabinet has also been dismissed.
According to Anadolu Agency, the top court accepted charges last month against Paetongtarn concerning a phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The call, which addressed the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, led to her suspension from duty as prime minister. A group of 36 senators filed charges, accusing her of "gross ethical misconduct and dishonesty," which were accepted by all nine court members.
During the conversation, Paetongtarn criticized Thailand's military, particularly the 2nd Army Region commander, regarding the escalating border tensions with Cambodia. Phumtham Wechayachai has been acting as the premier since last month and will continue in this role until a successor is elected.
Paetongtarn is now the fifth Thai premier in 17 years to be removed by judicial intervention. Should the ruling Pheu Thai Party fail to secure enough votes to elect a new premier, Thailand may head towards a snap election.
Paetongtarn, 38, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected the youngest and only the second female prime minister of Thailand in August last year. She was the nation's 31st premier and had been serving as culture minister since her suspension.
According to the English translation of the court verdict released by the Khaosod news outlet, Paetongtarn's comments to Hun Sen about the Second Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang demonstrated weaknesses in domestic Thai politics. The court noted that her actions indicated an "open-ended concession" to Hun Sen, which could benefit him at the expense of Thai national security, in a bid to salvage her popularity.
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand intensified last month, with airstrikes and rocket launches causing numerous civilian and military casualties. An unconditional ceasefire was later agreed upon and is currently in effect.