Context:

Recently, Thailand's Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office due to an ethics violation. The court's decision, made in a 6-3 vote, cited Paetongtarn's failure to prioritize national interests over personal relationships, specifically a leaked phone call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen during a border conflict.

Reason for dismissal:

• The controversy stems from a leaked phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian leader Hun Sen during a border dispute between the two countries. In the recording, she was heard showing deference to Hun Sen and expressing criticism of a senior Thai military leader. The court subsequently ruled that these actions amounted to an ethics violation, determining that she had placed private interests above those of the nation.
• Following this, Deputy Premier Phumtham Wechayachai and the current cabinet will serve in a caretaker capacity until a new prime minister is elected by parliament. The timeline for this process remains uncertain, and the stability of the coalition government will depend on the ability of constituent parties to reconcile and align their interests.

Impacts on India:

Thailand's recent political instability, marked by the dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, may have several implications for India.

·        Trade and Connectivity: Ongoing and future connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT-TH) may face challenges due to regional instability.

·        Regional Stability: India's Act East Policy aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, but Thailand's instability and Myanmar's challenges complicate regional integration and economic development efforts.

·        Strategic Partnerships: Thailand's balanced relations with major powers like China and Western nations are crucial for India's strategic partnerships in the region. Conservative forces are more aligned toward China.

Key Aspects of India-Thailand Relations:

·        Strategic Partnership: In April 2025, Prime Minister Modi and Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra elevated bilateral ties to a "Strategic Partnership," focusing on security, trade, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

·        Economic Cooperation: Thailand was India's 21st largest trading partner in FY 2023-24, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $14.94 billion. Both nations aim to enhance mutual investments, MSME collaboration, and connectivity through initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.

·        Regional Cooperation: India and Thailand collaborate closely in regional forums such as ASEAN, BIMSTEC, ADMM-Plus, and the East Asia Summit, supporting multilateralism and regional stability.