Thailand PM Paetongtarn Suspended Amid Ethics Probe, Deputy Takes Over

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as it reviews a petition filed by 36 senators accusing her of dishonesty and breaching constitutional ethics. The case centers on a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, raising concerns over national integrity and ethical conduct.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, a seasoned political figure, will serve as caretaker leader during the suspension. Paetongtarn, 38, has 15 days to respond to the allegations, after which the court will proceed with deliberations.

Despite the suspension, Paetongtarn is set to assume the role of culture minister in a cabinet reshuffle and may still attend government meetings in that capacity once sworn in on July 3. The Thai parliament is also scheduled to reconvene the same day.

The Bhumjaithai party, previously aligned with Paetongtarn’s ruling coalition, had planned to file a no-confidence motion. However, the suspension temporarily halts any such proceedings. The party would still need backing from the opposition People’s Party to succeed with a motion in the future.

In parallel, the National Anti-Corruption Commission is conducting a separate investigation into the same phone call. If wrongdoing is found, Paetongtarn could face a Supreme Court trial and a possible political ban.

Public pressure is mounting as thousands gathered in Bangkok’s largest protest since Pheu Thai returned to power in 2023. Protest leaders warn of escalations unless Paetongtarn resigns.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, faces his own legal battles, including lese majeste charges and scrutiny over his hospital stay instead of prison. A negative court ruling could result in imprisonment for the 75-year-old political heavyweight.