Thailand‘s Prime Minister Removed From office Following Controversial Phone Call with Cambodian Leader
Bangkok, Thailand – Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been removed from her position as Prime Minister of Thailand following a ruling by the Constitutional Court. The decision stems from ethical concerns surrounding a leaked telephone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during a period of heightened border tensions.
The controversy centers on a call made on June 15th, coinciding with a military clash on the Thai-Cambodian border that resulted in the death of a cambodian soldier. Leaked recordings of the conversation reveal shinawatra addressing hun Sen as “uncle” and appearing to criticize Thai military actions.
According to reports from CNN and Reuters, Shinawatra also offered Hun Sen assistance should he require it, a gesture that sparked public outrage and accusations of impropriety. While Shinawatra has since apologized, framing her remarks as a diplomatic tactic intended to de-escalate the situation, the Constitutional Court deemed the actions a breach of ethical conduct warranting her removal from the premiership.
Despite being ousted as Prime Minister, Shinawatra remains a member of the cabinet, currently serving as Minister of Culture.A Family Legacy of Wealth and Power
The fallout occurs against a backdrop of scrutiny regarding Shinawatra’s substantial personal wealth.The 33-year-old is the daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin shinawatra, a prominent businessman and politician.
Recent financial disclosures, reported by The Straits Times, reveal Shinawatra’s assets are valued at approximately US$400 million (roughly 6.5 trillion Indonesian Rupiah). This includes a London apartment held on a 9