Thai PM Paetongtarn Suspended by Constitutional Court

BANGKOK, July 1 (TNA) – Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty, accepting a Senate petition alleging a severe ethical violation.

The accusation stems from an “audio clip” of a purported conversation with a Cambodian leader.

The court voted 9-0 to accept the case for consideration and 7-2 to suspend Paetongtarn, effective July 1, 2025, until a final ruling. She has 15 days to submit her defense.

Following the court’s order, Prime Minister delivered a statement before leaving Government House.”I accept the court’s decision,” she said. “From now on, I will cease performing my duties. I have approximately 15 days to clarify this matter.”

She added, “I will try my best to prove that my intention was genuinely 100% to work for the country. I apologize to the Thai people who are uncomfortable or angry about this. I reaffirm once again that my intention is truly for the nation. I apologize for the method if it displeased many.”

The petition, filed June 19 by 36 senators, cited the audio clip as “evidence” of her private dealings with the Cambodian Senate President, which they claim “jeopardizes Thailand’s territorial security and sovereignty.”

With Paetongtarn suspended, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit will serve as acting prime minister. This coincides with a cabinet reshuffle, meaning Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, newly appointed Interior Minister, will assume acting prime ministerial duties on July 3 after his oath-taking.

Paetongtarn, 38, became prime minister in August 2024, succeeding Srettha Thavisin, also removed by the court for lacking integrity. Hours before her suspension, she had been royally endorsed as the new Minister of Culture, a role she was to begin after her July 3 swearing-in.

Should the court rule against Paetongtarn, her individual premiership would end, but the cabinet would remain intact, continuing until a new prime minister and government are formed. A similar situation occurred in August 2024 when Srettha was removed from office, leading to Paetongtarn’s election as the 31st prime minister. -819 (TNA)