Suspended PM Paetongtarn Faces Scrutiny Over Cabinet Role Amid Ongoing Ethics Probe

BANGKOK|| July 2: Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing increased political pressure as she prepares to be sworn in as Minister of Culture, despite a Constitutional Court order that temporarily bars her from performing any official duties.

The controversy stems from an ongoing court case concerning Ms. Paetongtarn’s handling of a phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The Constitutional Court is expected to take at least a month to rule on whether she should be permanently removed from office on ethical grounds.

In the meantime, Acting Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is set to preside over a swearing-in ceremony for the newly reshuffled cabinet, including Ms. Paetongtarn, on Thursday. However, the move has sparked backlash from several senators, who question the legality and ethics of allowing a suspended prime minister to assume a new ministerial role while under investigation.

According to a Senate source, discussions are underway among lawmakers about seeking a formal legal interpretation from the court.

Two key concerns are being raised: first, whether it is appropriate for Ms. Paetongtarn to self-nominate for a ministerial post while her status as prime minister is under judicial review; and second, the appropriateness of Mr. Suriya leading her in the oath of office, given the unresolved nature of her legal standing.

Critics argue that proceeding with the swearing-in could undermine the integrity of the Constitutional Court’s suspension order and erode public confidence in the government’s adherence to legal and ethical standards.

No official response has yet been issued by Ms. Paetongtarn or her legal team.

The situation adds further uncertainty to Thailand’s political landscape, as the court’s final decision on the ethics case could significantly impact the balance of power within the ruling coalition.