KUALA LUMPUR – Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from official duties while it deliberates on a case involving her controversial phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
According to the Bangkok Post, the nine-member bench unanimously agreed to accept the petition filed by 36 senators. By a majority of seven to two, the court ruled to temporarily bar Paetongtarn from performing her role as premier.
Despite the suspension, she retains her Cabinet position after being formally appointed Minister of Culture in a royal decree issued on Monday and made public on Tuesday morning.
The complaint centres on a leaked audio recording in which Paetongtarn allegedly referred to the commander of the 2nd Army Region as an “adversary” and appeared overly deferential to Hun Sen, signalling a willingness to comply with his demands.
The 2nd Army oversees a stretch of the Thai-Cambodian border that includes four disputed territories currently under contention between both nations.
She is accused of lacking integrity and qualifications under Sections 160 (4) and (5) of Thailand’s Constitution, with the petitioners alleging she violated ethical standards and demonstrated dishonesty in conduct unbecoming of her office.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has been appointed as acting prime minister.
The court’s decision comes just hours after Paetongtarn announced a Cabinet reshuffle in response to the departure of key coalition ally Bhumjaithai Party, which exited the ruling bloc on June 18 citing concerns over national sovereignty.
The new line-up, published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, comprises 14 new appointments and six ministerial reassignments. Paetongtarn now holds the additional portfolio of Culture.
Among notable changes, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai moves from Defence to the Interior Ministry, though a replacement for Defence has yet to be named.
Other new appointees include Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Attakorn Sirilathayakorn as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; and Narumon Pinyosinwat as Education Minister.
New faces in the Cabinet also include Jatuporn Buruspat as Minister of Commerce and Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit, who now oversees the Labour Ministry.
The oath-taking ceremony for the newly appointed ministers is scheduled for July 3.
Despite Bhumjaithai’s withdrawal and the resignation of its eight ministers on June 19, the Pheu Thai-led coalition maintains a majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives, allowing the government to remain in power. – July 1, 2025.