What's happened
On August 29, 2025, Thailand's Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for breaching ethics laws during a leaked June 15 phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The call, amid escalating border tensions that led to deadly clashes, showed Paetongtarn appearing overly friendly to Cambodia and criticizing a Thai army general. The ruling destabilized the fragile coalition government, prompting political maneuvering to appoint a new prime minister.
What's behind the headline?
Political Instability Rooted in Deep Divisions
Thailand's political crisis reflects entrenched divisions between the royalist-conservative establishment and the populist Shinawatra faction. The Constitutional Court's removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra—the fifth prime minister ousted by judicial ruling since 2008—underscores the judiciary's pivotal role in shaping political outcomes.
Border Conflict as a Catalyst
The leaked June 15 call with Hun Sen, intended as a de-escalation effort, backfired by exposing Paetongtarn's perceived partiality and criticism of the Thai military. This not only inflamed nationalist sentiments but also fractured her coalition, with the Bhumjaithai Party withdrawing support.
Power Struggles and Constitutional Constraints
Only candidates nominated in the 2023 election are eligible for prime minister, limiting options amid the turmoil. Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai appears poised to lead, backed by a coalition promising to dissolve Parliament within four months and hold a referendum on constitutional reform.
Forecast and Consequences
The political deadlock will likely prolong instability, with a caretaker government managing affairs until a new prime minister is confirmed. The promised constitutional referendum signals potential systemic changes, but deep factionalism may hinder progress. The Shinawatra political machine faces significant challenges, with legal battles and waning parliamentary influence.
Impact on Thailand and Region
The crisis affects governance and economic stability in Thailand, with risks of further unrest. Border tensions with Cambodia remain a sensitive issue, requiring careful diplomacy. For international observers, the episode highlights the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of entrenched power struggles.
What the papers say
The Independent provides a detailed account of the court's 6-3 ruling, emphasizing Paetongtarn's breach of ethical standards and the political fallout for the Shinawatra dynasty, noting her call with Hun Sen as a key factor. AP News highlights the caretaker government's fragile position and the political maneuvering around appointing Anutin Charnvirakul as the next prime minister, including the coalition's promise to dissolve Parliament and hold a referendum on constitutional reform. The South China Morning Post offers context on the deep-rooted political polarization in Thailand and the challenges ahead, quoting political scientist Stithorn Thananithichot on the difficulty of forming a new government. Al Jazeera focuses on the court's ethical judgment and ongoing legal challenges facing Paetongtarn and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. Bloomberg and Gulf News report on the leaked phone call's role in escalating border tensions and the subsequent military clashes. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a politically fraught environment shaped by legal rulings, coalition dynamics, and regional security concerns.
How we got here
Thailand's political landscape has been volatile since the 2023 general election. The Pheu Thai party, led by the Shinawatra family, has faced repeated setbacks, including court removals of prime ministers. Border tensions with Cambodia escalated in mid-2025, culminating in deadly clashes. Paetongtarn's leaked call with Hun Sen, perceived as compromising national interests, triggered her removal and deepened political instability.
Go deeper
- What led to Paetongtarn Shinawatra's removal as prime minister?
- Who is Anutin Charnvirakul and what is his role in the new government?
- How did the border conflict with Cambodia influence Thailand's political crisis?
Common question
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Why Was Thailand's Prime Minister Removed Over a Border Call?
Thailand's recent political upheaval has captured global attention, especially after the court ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over a leaked call with Cambodia's Hun Sen. Many are asking what happened, why it matters, and what the future holds for Thailand's stability. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this dramatic event and its wider implications for regional relations and Thai politics.
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What Does Thailand's PM Removal Mean for Regional Stability?
The recent removal of Thailand's Prime Minister over a leaked border call has sent shockwaves through Southeast Asia. This political upheaval raises questions about regional stability, border disputes, and future political risks. Below, we explore the implications of this event and what it could mean for neighboring countries and the broader region.
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Why Was Thailand's Prime Minister Removed Now?
Thailand's political landscape has been shaken up recently, with the removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra amid escalating border tensions and legal controversies. Many are asking what led to her ousting and what it means for Thailand's future stability. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this political upheaval and what might come next.
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What Do Kim and Xi's Meetings Mean for Regional Alliances?
Recent high-level meetings between North Korea's Kim Jong-un and China's Xi Jinping, alongside their joint displays of solidarity with Russia, signal significant shifts in regional power dynamics. These developments raise questions about the future of alliances in Asia and beyond, and how Western powers are responding to this evolving landscape. Below, we explore what these meetings reveal about regional alliances, their implications for global stability, and what they mean for international diplomacy.
More on these topics
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Paetongtarn Shinawatra (born 21 August 1986) is a Thai politician and businesswoman who served as the 31st prime minister of Thailand from 2024 until her removal from office in 2025. A member of the Pheu Thai Party, daughter of the 23rd prime minister...
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Hun Sen is a Cambodian politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Cambodia since 1985, the longest-serving head of government of Cambodia, and one of the longest-serving leaders in the world.
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Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman, politician and visiting professor. He served in the Thai Police from 1973 to 1987, and was the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006.
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The Constitutional Court, officially the Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Thailand, is a Thai court created by the 1997 constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the
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The Pheu Thai Party (PTP or PT) is a major populist political party in Thailand. It is the third incarnation of the Thai Rak Thai Party, a political party founded by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 1998. Like the previous incarnations, Pheu...
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Anutin Charnvirakul is a Thai politician. As of 2020, he serves as Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health.