New Thai Cabinet Ministers Sworn In as Suspended PM Paetongtarn Faces Eligibility Scrutiny

BANGKOK, July 4, 2025: Thailand’s newly appointed cabinet ministers, including suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, were officially sworn in on Thursday, even as questions persist over her eligibility to remain in the cabinet amid an ongoing Constitutional Court case.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in the presence of Their Majesties, the King and Queen, saw 14 ministers assume new roles following a recent cabinet reshuffle. Among them was Phumtham Wechayachai, who now serves as deputy prime minister and interior minister and becomes the third person to act as prime minister this week.

Also sworn in were acting Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Culture Minister Paetongtarn, who will begin duties at her new ministry on Friday at 9am, despite being suspended from her prime ministerial role on Tuesday by the Constitutional Court.

King Urges Ministers to Serve with Integrity

During the ceremony, His Majesty the King delivered a message urging the new ministers to act with knowledge, ability, and honesty for the benefit of the nation.

“The people of this nation all aspire to happiness and security… You who now bear the responsibility of administering state affairs… must perform your duties to the utmost of your abilities,” the King stated.
“This firm declaration of intent will strengthen your resolve and help instill confidence among the people.”

Brief Cabinet Meeting and Controversy Over Eligibility

Following the oath-taking, the new cabinet convened at Government House for a special meeting lasting roughly 30 minutes to clarify the allocation of responsibilities among deputy prime ministers. Although suspended, Ms. Paetongtarn attended the meeting but refrained from entering the prime minister’s office.

Her appointment as culture minister—made just prior to her suspension—allows her to remain part of the cabinet, despite ongoing legal scrutiny stemming from a controversial phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which triggered the constitutional complaint.

A constitutional challenge from senators

A group of 36 senators has petitioned the Constitutional Court, arguing that the phone conversation may violate ministerial ethics and render her unfit to serve in any ministerial capacity, not just as prime minister.

They cite Sections 82 and 170 of the Thai Constitution:

• Section 82 permits senators to request the court to suspend or end the tenure of MPs.
• Section 170 extends this provision to cabinet ministers in cases of certain ethical or legal violations.

Some senators have also questioned the decision of acting Prime Minister Suriya to allow Ms. Paetongtarn’s appointment as culture minister during his brief tenure, suggesting he may bear political responsibility for what they deem an inappropriate nomination.

Awaiting a court ruling

The Constitutional Court has yet to announce a timeline for its ruling on the case, which could significantly impact the structure and stability of the current government. Until then, Ms. Paetongtarn remains suspended from her prime ministerial duties but continues to serve as culture minister—a position some argue may not be constitutionally valid under the current circumstances.

The unfolding case underscores Thailand’s ongoing political volatility and the heightened scrutiny facing the Shinawatra political dynasty’s return to power.