Bangkok (EAC News)- Thailand’s Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office Friday over ethics violations, the latest in a series of legal and political setbacks for the Shinawatra family.

The court’s decision followed a leaked June telephone call during which Paetongtarn appeared to kowtow to Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen. The court said the call violated ethics and occurred just before a five-day border conflict erupted between the two countries.

On June 24, Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen predicted that within three months, Thailand would have a new prime minister to replace Phatthong Than. Two months later, Paetongtarn was ousted by the court.

The 39-year-old served just over a year as Thailand’s youngest prime minister. Her tenure began after the sudden removal of Srettha Thavisin. She is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister and influential billionaire. This is the sixth time a Shinawatra-backed leader has been dismissed by the judiciary or military since 2006.

Paetongtarn apologized for the leaked call, saying she was trying to prevent conflict. Her removal paves the way for a parliamentary vote on a new prime minister, though the process may be drawn out amid political negotiations. Her party, Pheu Thai, faces challenges to maintain its fragile coalition.

The court’s ruling underscores the ongoing power struggle in Thailand, pitting Shinawatra supporters against conservative and royalist forces. Analysts say former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to play a behind-the-scenes role as parties debate their next move.

Stay tuned for updates.