Thailand's Broken Dynasty: Paetongtarn Shinawatra Ousted

Thailand's Constitutional Court has ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, citing violations of ethics rules during a controversial phone call with Cambodia's former leader, Hun Sen. The court's decision represents a significant blow to the Shinawatra political dynasty, which has held considerable sway in Thai politics for over two decades.

In a decisive 6-3 verdict, judges concluded that Paetongtarn's conduct in the call, linked to recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, compromised national interests. The phone conversation, marked by a familiar tone and sensitive comments, ignited public outrage following its leak, just as violence erupted along the disputed boundary.

The court criticized Paetongtarn for her alignment with Cambodian interests, pointing to a lack of ethical standards. Despite her defense and apology, the ruling weakens the Pheu Thai coalition, already fragile after the exit of its major partner, the Bhumjaithai Party. The nation's political scene is once again in turmoil, with a caretaker government in place until a new prime minister is appointed.