August 29th, 2025 - Thai Court Removes Prime Minister in Major Setback for Shinawatra Family

A Thai court permanently removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on Friday, marking a significant setback for the powerful Shinawatra family and further deepening the country’s political turmoil. The Constitutional Court's verdict came nearly two months after it had suspended her following a controversial phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which raised concerns about her competence and loyalty.

In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled that Ms. Paetongtarn had violated ethical standards, accusing her of lacking “demonstrable honesty and integrity” in her conversation with Hun Sen. The court's ruling took effect immediately, dissolving her cabinet and setting the stage for Thailand's Parliament to convene and select a new prime minister.

Ms. Paetongtarn, 39, is the latest member of her family to be ousted from the prime minister’s office. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in a 2006 coup, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, was removed by the Constitutional Court in 2014, weeks before another military coup. However, unlike previous instances involving her family, widespread protests are not expected this time, as the Shinawatras no longer enjoy the public support they once did.

Thailand's political landscape has shifted since the 2023 election, which saw the progressive Move Forward Party win the most votes. However, the royalist-military establishment blocked the formation of a government led by Move Forward, forming an alliance with Thaksin Shinawatra. This led to Thaksin’s return to Thailand after years of self-imposed exile, raising suspicions among many Thais about his involvement in blocking the people's choice.

The controversy surrounding Ms. Paetongtarn's removal stems from a phone call she had with Mr. Hun Sen in June, in which she appeared deferential and critical of Thailand's military. The recording was posted on social media, sparking anger and prompting 36 senators to file a complaint against her, accusing her of ethical breaches. Protests calling for her resignation followed soon after.

The process of selecting the next prime minister will take place in Parliament, with one of the leading candidates being Chaikasem Nitisiri, a senior member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. His candidacy could allow Thaksin to maintain influence over the government. The ruling is just one in a series of legal challenges for the Shinawatra family, with Thaksin recently avoiding prison time for a royal defamation charge. Next month, a court will decide whether Thaksin lawfully avoided jail time after his return to Thailand.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Incisive (adj, in-SYE-siv) - Incisive means "impressively direct and decisive." It is generally applied to either something communicated in a way that is very clear and direct, or to a person who is able to explain difficult ideas clearly and confidently.

Example: The columnist is known for her incisive commentary on local politics.