Thailand’s Constitutional Court announced Wednesday that it will deliver its verdict on August 29th at 3pm local time in a high-stakes case seeking the dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over her handling of diplomatic tensions with Cambodia.
The 38-year-old prime minister, who has been suspended from her duties since last month, faces accusations of unprofessional conduct and breaching ministerial ethics during a border dispute with Cambodia that escalated into the bloodiest military clashes between the two nations in decades.
A group of 36 conservative senators filed the petition against Paetongtarn, focusing on a leaked phone conversation with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the recording, she addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and referred to a Thai military commander as her “opponent” – remarks that generated significant political backlash.
Conservative lawmakers accuse the prime minister of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military establishment. They allege she violated constitutional provisions requiring “evident integrity” and “ethical standards” among government ministers.
Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has defended her actions, maintaining she acted in Thailand’s national interests. She took office less than a year ago after her predecessor was removed by the same Constitutional Court.
If the court rules against her, Paetongtarn would become the third member of the Shinawatra family to be ousted early as premier, following her father and aunt Yingluck, who were both removed in military coups.
The case represents the latest chapter in Thailand’s two-decade political struggle between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, whom they view as a threat to the kingdom’s traditional social order.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit currently serves as caretaker prime minister during the proceedings.
The decision poses a critical challenge for Thailand’s gaming sector, as Paetongtarn and the ruling Pheu Thai Party had been driving forces behind legislative efforts to legalize and regulate the industry. Â
Amid the political uncertainty and strong voices against casino legalization, the Thai government officially withdrew the Entertainment Complex Bill, which included provisions for legalizing casinos, on July 9th, 2025. This bill aimed to establish integrated resorts with casinos, hoping to boost tourism and spending. However, the bill faced significant negative public and political reaction, leading to its withdrawal.
