Uncle Hun Sen’ Call Costs Thai PM Dearly: Ethics Breach Leads to Court Ouster

In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand’s Constitutional Court formally removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on Friday, August 29, 2025, ruling she had breached ethical standards in a private phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen IndiatimesThe Wall Street JournalAP News.

The Controversial Call

The controversy stems from a June 15, 2025 conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and Hun Sen—then Senate President of Cambodia—that was meant to help ease rising tensions along the two countries' border Wikipedia. In that call, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle”, asked him to sympathize with her (“please have some sympathy for [his] niece…”), and portrayed a Thai military general as part of the “opposing side” Wikipedia.

Leak and Outrage

On June 18, Hun Sen himself leaked the audio recording, sparking intense backlash in Thailand. Nationalist groups and opposition senators quickly accused the prime minister of placing personal loyalties above national interests, especially in the midst of border clashes that later erupted into violence Wikipedia+1.

Political Fallout

• June 19, 2025: Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Cambodia’s ambassador, condemning the leak as a breach of diplomatic trust Wikipedia.

• July 1, 2025: The Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn pending its ethics ruling Wikipedia+1.

• Early July: A brief reshuffle of the Cabinet saw Suriya Jungrungreangkit step in briefly as acting PM, followed by Phumtham Wechayachai Wikipedia+1.

The Verdict

On August 29, the court rendered a 6–3 decision, declaring that Paetongtarn had "seriously violated" ethical norms by allowing personal dynamics to interfere with state priorities IndiatimesAP NewsAl Jazeera. The ruling marks her ousting as the fifth removal of a prime minister by the court since 2008—three of whom were connected to the Shinawatra family Al JazeeraReuters.

Paetongtarn defended her actions, insisting that her tone was a strategic measure meant to defuse a dangerous standoff and protect lives. She has vowed to accept the court’s ruling but maintains her intentions were patriotic The Wall Street JournalThe Guardian.

What’s Next?

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai now leads a caretaker government IndiatimesAP News. A special parliamentary session is scheduled for early September to elect a new leader, though the ruling Pheu Thai Party's grip on power is weakened after losing its coalition majority ReutersAP NewsThe Guardian. Observers predict a prolonged power scramble and possible early general elections in 2026, as political instability continues to shake Thailand The GuardianAl Jazeera.

Why It Matters

This episode underscores deep-seated tensions within Thai politics. The repeated interventions by unelected courts—or even military—highlight fragile democratic processes and the persistent dominance of conservative establishments. For now, Thailand finds itself crossing yet another turning point, with uncertainty and mistrust shaping its immediate future.