Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended from Office

TDT | Manama

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Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been temporarily suspended from her duties by the Constitutional Court as she faces an investigation into allegations of ethical misconduct.

Speaking to reporters outside Government House on Tuesday, Paetongtarn said she accepts the court’s decision with respect and composure.
“The ruling has come out and I accept the court decision,” she said. “It has always been my intention to do what’s best for my country.”

The case revolves around a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen, a sensitive political issue that led 36 senators to file a petition accusing her of dishonesty and breaching constitutional ethics.

The court confirmed it has unanimously agreed to hear the case and has suspended Paetongtarn from her role during the proceedings. She has 15 days to respond to the allegations.

In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will step in as caretaker prime minister. Despite the leadership shake-up, the government insists that daily operations will continue smoothly.

“Government work doesn’t stop — there is no problem,” said Tourism Minister and Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong. “Suriya will take over in the interim.”

Paetongtarn will remain in the cabinet as the new Minister of Culture following a recent reshuffle.

The controversy has put further pressure on her fragile coalition government, which is now facing internal rifts. A key partner has already pulled out, and opposition groups are reportedly preparing for a no-confidence motion. Public protests demanding her resignation have also begun to intensify.

As the court case unfolds, Thailand's political future remains uncertain, but the spotlight will remain firmly on Paetongtarn in the coming days.