Thailand has been thrust back into political turmoil after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was formally dismissed from office by the Constitutional Court on Friday. The ruling, delivered by a 6-3 vote, concluded that she had committed a serious breach of ethics during a controversial phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Her removal, just a year into her premiership, casts fresh uncertainty over the country’s fragile political landscape and its struggling economy.

According to The Nation, the court stated that her conduct in the leaked conversation had “caused the public to cast doubt” on whether her actions “would benefit Cambodia more than benefitting the nation’s interest.” The judgment also asserted that the incident damaged public trust in her leadership and inflicted “grave damage” on the integrity of the premiership.

Fallout from the Court Ruling

Paetongtarn is now the sixth Thai leader since 2008 to be removed by a court decision or legal action, and the third from her own family after her father Thaksin was ousted in 2006 and her aunt Yingluck was dismissed in 2014. She had taken office in 2023 after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was also removed by the Constitutional Court for ethics violations.

The leaked phone call that sparked her downfall was reportedly made in June. In the discussion with Hun Sen, she addressed him as “uncle” and appeared critical of the Thai military’s handling of escalating border tensions. The incident occurred shortly before a violent clash that left soldiers dead and tens of thousands displaced. Senators later argued that her words undermined national sovereignty and showed favoritism toward Cambodia.

Her suspension from office was announced in July pending the court’s final ruling, after a petition signed by 36 senators accused her of misconduct. On Friday afternoon, the court concluded that she had failed to demonstrate “visible honesty and integrity,” effectively terminating her premiership immediately.

Casino Legalization Effort Stalled

Paetongtarn’s departure deals a significant blow to Thailand’s plans to legalize casino resorts within entertainment complexes. The initiative, widely seen as a strategy to attract foreign investment and boost tourism, had been championed by the Shinawatra family.

Before her suspension, the government had already pulled the Entertainment Complex Bill from the House agenda in July, but her removal now makes its revival even less likely. Analysts suggest that the bill is effectively dead, as her replacement contenders include staunch opponents of casino expansion.

Among them is Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, who has long rejected casino legalization. Within hours of Paetongtarn’s ouster, Anutin announced he had the parliamentary backing to form a coalition government. “As Bhumjaithai’s leader and prime ministerial candidate, I have been ready since 2019,” he declared, emphasizing his focus on restoring political stability.

Anutin’s alignment with the People Party, which commands 143 seats, strengthens his position. Should he take power, industry experts say the casino legislation will likely be shelved indefinitely.

Who Will Lead Next?

In the interim, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will continue managing the government in a caretaker role alongside the existing cabinet. A parliamentary vote to select a new prime minister has no constitutionally mandated deadline, leaving the timeline uncertain.

Five names remain in contention for the role. Pheu Thai has now consolidated its backing behind Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old former justice minister who has largely stayed out of the spotlight until now. Other figures in the race include Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, and former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who led the 2014 coup against a Pheu Thai government.

Whichever candidate emerges will need the support of at least 50 MPs to secure a nomination. To be confirmed as prime minister, they must then win at least 247 votes in the 492-member lower house. If no candidate succeeds, the process will continue without any set time limit, prolonging uncertainty for both governance and policymaking.