Overview

• The Constitutional Court voted 6–3 to remove the prime minister for breaching ethical standards, saying she put private interests before the nation and damaged public confidence.
• A recording released by Hun Sen captured Paetongtarn addressing him as “uncle,” criticizing a Thai commander and suggesting she would “take care of” requests, triggering public backlash and protests.
• Her removal dissolves the cabinet, with Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai leading a caretaker administration until lawmakers elect a new leader.
• Only five pre‑2023 nominees are eligible for the premiership, leaving Pheu Thai with 77‑year‑old Chaikasem Nitisiri as its sole option as figures such as Prayuth Chan‑o‑cha and Anutin Charnvirakul remain eligible.
• The leak preceded the deadliest Thai‑Cambodian border fighting in years, which killed more than 40 people and displaced roughly 300,000, and it extends a pattern of Shinawatra‑aligned leaders being ousted by courts or coups.