BANGKOK — Thailand’s Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday, ruling that she violated ethical standards during a phone call with a senior Cambodian official. This decision ends the term of the youngest prime minister in the nation’s history and marks another setback for the influential Shinawatra political dynasty.

In a 6-3 vote, the court found that Paetongtarn’s conduct during a June 15 call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen compromised national interests. The call, which became public shortly before a violent border conflict erupted, drew significant backlash in Thailand. Audio from the conversation revealed Paetongtarn referring to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticizing a Thai army general as an “opponent” while discussing the tense border situation.

The court stated that her personal relationship with Cambodia appeared to influence her willingness to align with Cambodian interests. It noted that her comments about the Thai general “lacked demonstrable honesty and integrity” and constituted a serious breach of ethical standards.

Paetongtarn, 39, defended her actions, claiming her friendly tone was a negotiating tactic intended to de-escalate tensions. She expressed regret but maintained that her actions did not jeopardize national security. Following the ruling, she stated she would accept the court's decision but insisted on her innocence, asserting that her primary goal was to save lives.

The leaked audio of the call was made public by Hun Sen, who served as Cambodia’s prime minister for 38 years until his son, Hun Manet, took over in 2023. The conversation occurred amid rising tensions after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish with Thai troops in disputed territory in May. This led to five days of combat in late June, resulting in numerous casualties and displacing over 260,000 people.

The friendly nature of Paetongtarn’s call raised concerns among many Thais, particularly due to her family's political history. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was prime minister from 2001 to 2006 and has faced allegations of prioritizing personal interests over national concerns, including a close relationship with Hun Sen. The court's ruling is also a significant blow to Thaksin, who was ousted in a military coup but has remained a key figure in Thai politics.

Paetongtarn is the third member of the Shinawatra family to serve as prime minister. Her sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was the first female prime minister from 2011 to 2014 and was also removed from office before her term ended. The political landscape surrounding the Shinawatra family has been marked by both victories and challenges, often disrupted by military coups and court decisions.

The ruling places the coalition led by Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party in a precarious position. The controversy surrounding the phone call prompted the Bhumjaithai Party, the largest partner in the coalition, to withdraw, leaving Pheu Thai with a slim majority in the House of Representatives. Paetongtarn had already been suspended from her duties on July 1, with Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai assuming her responsibilities.

The caretaker Cabinet led by Phumtham will remain in place until Parliament elects a new prime minister, although a vote has not yet been scheduled. The caretaker government also has the option to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections.