Thai court suspends Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over sedition allegations

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties pending a judicial review over sedition allegations, following a leaked audio clip involving former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The suspension, announced on 1 July 2025, marks an unprecedented move in Thai political history.

According to reports, all nine Constitutional Court judges voted unanimously to accept a petition filed by 36 senators and forwarded by Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. The judges then voted 7-2 to suspend Paetongtarn from her prime ministerial duties while the court deliberates.

Paetongtarn, however, will remain in her post as Minister of Culture in the newly formed Cabinet. Her additional ministerial role had been endorsed by royal command and published in the Royal Gazette just before the court’s decision.

Allegations and leaked audio

The senators’ petition accused Paetongtarn of sedition under Article 82 and Article 170(3) of the Constitution, citing her controversial remarks in a leaked call with Hun Sen.

In the audio, she allegedly referred to the commander of Thailand’s Second Army Area as “the opponent,” suggesting internal discord amid sensitive border tensions.

Critics argued that her comments undermined national sovereignty and weakened the military’s position in protecting Thai territories. The recorded call spread rapidly on social media, drawing sharp criticism from conservative groups and political opponents.

Under the Constitution, Paetongtarn was ordered to submit her written defence to the court within 15 days. Until the court reaches a final ruling, she is barred from performing prime ministerial functions.

The two dissenting judges, Nakarin Mektrairat and Udom Sitthiwiratchatham, argued against the suspension. They maintained that it remained unclear whether Paetongtarn’s comments constituted a constitutional violation severe enough to justify immediate suspension.

Acting Prime Minister appointed

During Paetongtarn’s suspension, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will serve as acting Prime Minister. According to a government source, Suriya will carry full executive authority and is expected to oversee upcoming Cabinet transitions.

The Secretariat of the Cabinet has prepared for this exceptional situation, which coincides with a scheduled royal oath-taking ceremony for new Cabinet ministers on 3 July 2025.

Cabinet reshuffle and royal oath ceremony

Under Thai constitutional tradition, if even one ministerial post changes, all ministers must formally relinquish and retake their positions.

As part of the new Cabinet reshuffle, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has been reassigned to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister.

Narumon Pinyosinwat will move from Agriculture to Education, while Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol transitions from Culture to Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Dej-is Khaothong will move from Deputy Minister of Public Health to Deputy Minister of the Interior.

The reshuffled ministers must swear an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King on 3 July before assuming their new roles. Paetongtarn, though suspended as Prime Minister, retains her authority as Culture Minister and will continue to engage in cultural policy initiatives.