Thailand’s Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office while it reviews a petition seeking her dismissal, according to Reuters.
The court’s decision, announced on July 1, means Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will serve as acting prime minister during this period. The petition, submitted by 36 senators, accuses Paetongtarn of dishonesty and violating ethical standards under Thailand’s Constitution.
In response to the ruling, Paetongtarn publicly apologized for her actions that had caused public concern, pledging to “do my utmost for the nation, with the determination to serve and protect national sovereignty.” She emphasized her respect for the court’s decision and her commitment to fully comply with legal procedures.
The court’s move follows controversy over a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen on June 15. In the recording, Paetongtarn was criticized for appearing to “bow down” to Hun Sen and for labeling Thailand’s military leadership as “hostile.” Although she later apologized and described the remarks as part of a negotiation strategy, the incident sparked significant backlash. The fallout led one major party in the ruling coalition to withdraw its support, leaving Paetongtarn’s government with only a slim majority in parliament and vulnerable to an upcoming no-confidence vote.
According to Reuters, during this interim period, Thailand’s government will be led by the acting prime minister. Paetongtarn will continue to hold a cabinet seat as Minister of Culture following a recent reshuffle.
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Source: Vietnam Insider