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Constitutional Court Ends Paetongtarn Shinawatra's Term As Prime Minister In Landmark Ruling
Photo credit: Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Bangkok, August 29, 2025 — The Constitutional Court delivered a highly anticipated decision today, ruling that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s term has officially ended.
In a six-to-three vote, the Court concluded that Paetongtarn’s ministerial status was terminated after the release of an audio recording of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The petition, signed by 36 senators, alleged that her remarks in the recording constituted serious ethical misconduct and created a conflict of interest with a foreign government.
Paetongtarn admitted that the recording was authentic but maintained that the exchange was personal in nature and aimed at preserving peace and sovereignty. The Court, however, determined that her actions fell short of the constitutional standards for ministers. Her disqualification took effect on July 1, 2025, the date she was suspended. By law, the entire Cabinet is also considered removed from office, though it will remain in a caretaker capacity until a new government assumes office.
The judges were divided on the grounds for their decision. Four ruled that Paetongtarn was disqualified under Section 160, paragraphs four and five of the Constitution, while two based their decision on paragraph five alone. Three dissenting judges argued that her actions amounted only to a minor ethical lapse and did not warrant the loss of her position.
The ruling marks one of the most consequential interventions of the Constitutional Court in recent years, setting in motion the process of forming a new government.
While the case concerning Paetongtarn dominated public attention, the Court also ruled on or directed proceedings in several other matters. These included petitions on Senate election procedures, judicial independence, dual pricing for foreigners, land allotments in Nonthaburi, membership in the Bar Association, and allegations involving Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The Court also heard ongoing cases concerning the Extradition Law of 2008 and the Consumer Protection Litigation Act of 2008, while routine administrative petitions were also addressed.
With today’s ruling, Thailand enters a transitional period under a caretaker Cabinet, awaiting the formation of a new administration.
In a six-to-three vote, the Court concluded that Paetongtarn’s ministerial status was terminated after the release of an audio recording of her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The petition, signed by 36 senators, alleged that her remarks in the recording constituted serious ethical misconduct and created a conflict of interest with a foreign government.
Paetongtarn admitted that the recording was authentic but maintained that the exchange was personal in nature and aimed at preserving peace and sovereignty. The Court, however, determined that her actions fell short of the constitutional standards for ministers. Her disqualification took effect on July 1, 2025, the date she was suspended. By law, the entire Cabinet is also considered removed from office, though it will remain in a caretaker capacity until a new government assumes office.
The judges were divided on the grounds for their decision. Four ruled that Paetongtarn was disqualified under Section 160, paragraphs four and five of the Constitution, while two based their decision on paragraph five alone. Three dissenting judges argued that her actions amounted only to a minor ethical lapse and did not warrant the loss of her position.
The ruling marks one of the most consequential interventions of the Constitutional Court in recent years, setting in motion the process of forming a new government.
While the case concerning Paetongtarn dominated public attention, the Court also ruled on or directed proceedings in several other matters. These included petitions on Senate election procedures, judicial independence, dual pricing for foreigners, land allotments in Nonthaburi, membership in the Bar Association, and allegations involving Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The Court also heard ongoing cases concerning the Extradition Law of 2008 and the Consumer Protection Litigation Act of 2008, while routine administrative petitions were also addressed.
With today’s ruling, Thailand enters a transitional period under a caretaker Cabinet, awaiting the formation of a new administration.
Aug 29, 2025
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