Thailand’s constitutional court fired Prime Minister Paetong Tarun Sinawatra on Friday after realising that he had broken ethical guidelines by talking to senior Cambodian officials over the phone.
The decision will end the country’s youngest prime minister and will take the latest blow to the powerful Sinawatra political dynasty, which has dominated Thai politics for more than 20 years. Her father, Thaksin Sinawatra, who was prime minister from 2001 to 2006, has faced allegations in the past that he would place his personal interests on the people of the nation.
With a 6-3 vote, a judge on Friday found that Paetong Ghan’s actions on a June 15 call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen had compromised national interests.
The call, released weeks before a fatal border dispute broke out between the two countries, sparked anger in Thailand.
Paetongtarn appears to be calling Hun Sen “uncle” and Thai generals “enemy” when heard in voice in conversation about the tensioned border situation.
The 39-year-old defended herself, claiming that her familiar tone on the call was a negotiation tactic aimed at lifting the tension. Paetongtarn also apologized, claiming that her conversation would not undermine national security.
The petition filed a request for cooperation with Cambodia.
A complaint against Paetongtarn, filed by a group of senators, allegedly “Because of her personal relationship alongside Cambodia, (she) was willing to act consistently and willingly according to the wishes of the Cambodian part.”
Furthermore, her reference to the Thai general accused him of “lacking integrity and integrity that he seriously violated or did not violate ethical standards.”
However, the court said in its ruling that Paetong Thanhn Tarn intended to maintain Thailand’s national interests and sought to prevent serious disputes that could affect its sovereignty and border security.
Although we concluded that her actions apparently did not appear to be fraudulent, we nevertheless found that her conversation constituted a violation of ethical standards.
After the court’s ruling Friday, Paetontan said she would accept it, but claimed she was innocent and acted with the sole purpose of saving her life.
Leaked phone
Cole’s audio was leaked online by Hunsen, Cambodia’s prime minister for 38 years before his son Hunmane took over the job in 2023.
In late June, the two countries engaged in five days of combat, killing dozens and exiling more than 260,000 people.
The friendly tone of Paetongtarn’s appeal raised a hackle among many Thais, due to the history of her family.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a business owner who has won a big buck in the telecommunications sector and appears to have a warm friendship with Hun Sen, faced allegations that he would give Thailand personal benefits when he was prime minister.
He was forced out of power by a military coup, but he could remain a dominant force in Thai politics, his daughter became prime minister, and Friday’s ruling probably took a final blow.
Additional sources •AP