Picture courtesy of Khoasod 

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit of the Pheu Thai Party, has been appointed Acting Prime Minister of Thailand following a Constitutional Court ruling earlier today that suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her official duties.

 

The court’s decision came in response to a leaked audio clip allegedly involving Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The recording has raised concerns over potential ethical and constitutional breaches, prompting the court to act swiftly pending a full investigation.

 

In accordance with constitutional protocol, Suriya will assume full powers of the premiership during the suspension. This includes the authority to make appointments, approve budgetary decisions, and lead the caretaker Cabinet. He is also expected to represent the new cabinet in an audience with His Majesty the King for the traditional oath-taking ceremony, scheduled for 3 July.

 

Phumtham Wechayachai, originally thought to be a contender for the acting premiership, will not be eligible to assume the role. He was recently reassigned from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence to Minister of Interior and must await the royal swearing-in before he can begin his new portfolio.

 

Following the same ceremony on Thursday, Paetongtarn Shinawatra is expected to formally assume her new position as Minister of Culture, marking a dramatic shift from her short-lived term as Thailand’s second female Prime Minister.

 

The Constitutional Court has not yet announced when a final ruling will be made on Paetongtarn’s eligibility to return to office.

 

Observers are closely watching how Suriya will navigate this sensitive transitional period, particularly with key appointments and policy decisions awaiting urgent action. 
 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1365343-the-constitutional-court-suspends-prime-minister-paetongtarn-over-leaked-audio-scandal/

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-01

 

 

 

 

 

Time to wave Dubai goodbye. 

18 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit of the Pheu Thai Party

I wonder if he can get things going in the right direction... or just more accidents waiting to happen?

18 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Suriya Jungrungreangkit of the Pheu Thai Party

So no change .

Just a dude getting the orders from " da man" .

So the wheel turns. Where it will stop noone knows, least of all the main players.

The oath taking has long been replaced with the cash taking as another one fills up🤔

Minister of what sort of culture? The culture of jiggery pokery? Perfect.😄

Phumtham Wechayachai will be pis, not happy, having missed the top job because of a technicality. 

19 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Suriya will assume full powers of the premiership and lead the caretaker Cabinet

which now includes the suspended PM... 

Amazing Thailand

Toni the puppet master will be barking out his orders as everyone else in the party are all  hanging around waiting to be called upon a temporary PM will change nothing !

1 hour ago, FlorC said:

So no change .

Just a dude getting the orders from " da man" .

 

Unfortunately you are probably correct

With so many deputy PMs how do they decide who gets it? How about creating a new ministry that would suit her better. Ministry of TikTok. 

One more lining up for Dubai.

5 hours ago, FlorC said:

So no change .

Just a dude getting the orders from " da man" .

you beat me to it.... much of the same  same with the "oligarch Tak-Toni" pulling the strings