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3mo ago

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended in Ethics Probe as New Thai Cabinet Is Sworn In

The king endorsed a reshuffled cabinet with Phumtham Wechayachai as acting prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra as culture minister pending the court’s ethics ruling.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reacts as he arrives ahead of a royal oath-taking ceremony for the new cabinet, where he will be sworn in as Thailand’s Minister of Interior, at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa/File photo
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Overview

  • Thailand’s Constitutional Court voted unanimously on July 1 to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for 15 days while it investigates her June phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
  • Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai was sworn in as deputy prime minister and interior minister on July 3 and immediately assumed caretaker prime minister duties.
  • Paetongtarn Shinawatra took her oath as minister of culture in the new 14-member cabinet, allowing her to attend meetings despite losing her premier portfolio.
  • Opposition leaders led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut agreed to delay any no-confidence motion until the Constitutional Court issues its verdict on the ethics case.
  • Street protests demanding Paetongtarn’s resignation have persisted in Bangkok, fueled by anger over perceived concessions to Cambodia in the Chong Bok border dispute.