Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on July 1 over allegations of dishonesty and breaching ethics. The suspension comes as a result of a petition filed by 36 senators accusing the premier of violating the constitution.
With the prime minister suspended, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will become the caretaker leader. Suriya, 70, is a veteran of Thai politics and has served in various cabinet positions since the 1990s.
The court has ordered Paetongtarn to stop performing her duties until it makes a decision. The premier must respond to the allegations within 15 days, after which proceedings will continue.
Paetongtarn was appointed as the minister of culture on July 3, allowing her to attend cabinet meetings in her capacity as a minister despite the suspension. Thailand’s parliament will reconvene on July 3.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission is also probing Paetongtarn for any ethical violations related to a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former premier Hun Sen. The outcome of this investigation could lead to another case at Thailand’s Supreme Court, potentially ruling to ban the prime minister from politics.
Anti-government protests have been ongoing in Bangkok since Saturday, with thousands gathering in the largest demonstration since the Pheu Thai party took power in 2023. The organisers have called on Paetongtarn to step down and threatened to escalate protests if she does not quit.
Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a key figure in Thailand’s politics, is currently facing a criminal court case related to lese majeste law. An adverse verdict could see him sentenced to jail.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-political-chaos-what-happens-next-2025-07-01