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Key Points

Thailand's cabinet has appointed Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai as acting Prime Minister after Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended over an ethics probe. The suspension follows a leaked call with Cambodia's Hun Sen that sparked public outcry. The Constitutional Court gave Paetongtarn 15 days to defend herself before a final ruling. Meanwhile, King Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet amid the political shakeup.

Key Points: Phumtham Named Thailand Acting PM After Paetongtarn Suspension

  • Phumtham Wechayachai takes over as Thailand's acting PM
  • Paetongtarn suspended pending ethics investigation
  • Senators accused her of violating ethics in Cambodia call
  • Constitutional Court gave her 15 days to present defense
2 min read

Thailand cabinet appoints Phumtham as acting PM following Paetongtarn's suspension

Thailand appoints Phumtham as acting PM following Paetongtarn's suspension over ethics probe linked to Cambodia call controversy.

"Phumtham will possess the same authority as the Prime Minister — Thai Government Statement"

Bangkok, July 3

Thailand's cabinet on Thursday agreed to appoint Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as acting Prime Minister, following the suspension of Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Phumtham, who is listed as the first acting Prime Minister, will possess the same authority and responsibilities as the Prime Minister, the Thai government said in a statement issued after new cabinet members were sworn into office.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who previously took the role as acting Prime Minister, was named as the second acting Prime Minister.

Paetongtarn, who was previously appointed to double as Culture Minister in the cabinet reshuffle, has been suspended from performing her Prime Ministerial duties by a constitutional court order pending an ethics investigation. In a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, she attempted to defuse tensions — but instead set off a string of complaints and public protests.

A group of 36 senators last month petitioned the court seeking Paetongtarn's dismissal from office, accusing her of serious ethical violations linked to a leaked telephone conversation over border issues with Cambodia, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet following a royal endorsement of the ministerial lineup earlier this week.

The Constitutional Court voted unanimously on Tuesday to review a petition accusing Paetongtarn of a breach of ethics and voted 7-2 to immediately suspend her until it issues its ruling. The court gave Paetongtarn 15 days to give evidence to support her case. It’s unclear when it will rule.

Phumtham was assigned on Thursday to be the first of several deputies in line to act as Prime Minister, said government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. Deputy Prime Minister Jungrungreangkit, who was acting Prime Minister in the interim, led the new Cabinet members at the ceremony to receive the endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Dusit Palace.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The border issues mentioned remind me of our own challenges with neighbors. Leaders must be very careful in diplomatic communications - one wrong word can create big problems! Thailand's situation shows how fragile international relations can be.
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Arjun K
Suspension over a phone call leak? Seems harsh no? In India, our politicians say much worse things publicly and still continue in office! 😅 But maybe Thailand has higher standards for their leaders.
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Sarah B
As someone who frequently travels to Thailand, I hope this political change doesn't affect tourism. Their economy depends so much on visitors like us Indians who love Bangkok and Phuket! The last thing we need is more instability in the region.
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Vikram M
The article mentions 36 senators petitioning - that's proper democratic process. In India we often see political parties trying to bypass institutions. Thailand's constitutional court seems to be functioning independently, which is good to see.
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Neha E
While the situation is complex, I appreciate how Thailand maintains stability through these transitions. The King's role in swearing in new cabinet shows continuity. We could learn from their ability to manage political crises without complete breakdown.
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Karthik V
The article could have explained more about the border issues with Cambodia. As Indians we understand how sensitive such matters are - look at our own borders with China and Pakistan. Hope

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