Thailand’s Prime Minister Dismissed by Top Court Over Cambodia Phone Call

Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was leaked and became hugely embarrassing politically.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra waves from a car as she leaves Government House after being dismissed from the position of prime minister by the Constitutional Court in Bangkok on Aug. 29, 2025. Lillian Sunwanrumpha/AFP

Thailand’s Constitutional Court permanently removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister on Aug. 29, ruling that she violated constitutional ethics rules during a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling meant 39-year-old Paetongtarn—whose deputy, Phumtham Wechayachai, is serving as acting prime minister—was dismissed effective immediately.