Key Facts
• August 29, 2025: Thai Constitutional Court orders Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s dismissal.
• Paetongtarn, 38, criticized Thai military leaders in a leaked phone call.
• Call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen deemed a violation of ethical standards.
• July 2025: Thai-Cambodian border clashes result in over 40 deaths.
• March 2025: Paetongtarn’s approval rating drops from 30.9% to 9.2%.
• July 2025: Court temporarily suspends Paetongtarn from duties.
• Paetongtarn is the youngest prime minister in Thai history, appointed in October 2024.
• She is the daughter of former populist Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
• Leaked audio revealed Paetongtarn calling Hun Sen “uncle” and criticizing Thai military.
• Political turmoil deepens as coalition allies withdraw support.
Summary
The Thai Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on August 29, 2025, citing ethical violations. A leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, where she criticized Thai military leaders and referred to Hun Sen as “uncle,” sparked domestic outrage and worsened Thai-Cambodian relations. The incident led to border clashes in July, killing over 40 people. Paetongtarn, the youngest prime minister in Thai history and daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, faced plummeting approval ratings and coalition defections. Her dismissal follows a temporary suspension in July and highlights ongoing political instability in Thailand.
