Thai Prime Minister suspended - Deputy PM Suriya now acting PM

[Gaybutton]

Seems like the Shinawatra Prime Ministers just don't last all that long before ending up ousted. This is all happening today, so it is much too soon to know what to expect next, but my guess is it's over for Paetongtarn holding a powerful office again.

Of course we have no idea yet what, if any, changes there will be under Suriya, how long he will be acting PM, or how he will handle the Thai-Cambodia border dispute.
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Suriya - Acting Prime Minister


Court suspends PM Paetongtarn from office in Hun Sen phone call case

Charter court accepts senators' petition for consideration; Suriya now acting PM

July 1, 2025

The Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty pending its consideration of the case against her involving a controversial phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

The nine Constitutional Court judges resolved unanimously to accept the senators’ petition against Ms Paetongtarn continuing as premier for consideration and temporarily suspended her from office by seven votes to two.

Ms Paetongtarn remains in the cabinet because in Monday’s royal approval of her new cabinet she was given the dual role of minister for culture. The royal command was published on Tuesday morning.

The petition, initiated by 36 senators, asked the court to investigate a leaked audio recording of a phone conversation between Ms Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, and sought her suspension pending the court's ruling.

In the conversation Ms Paetongtarn was heard making derogatory remarks about the commander of the 2nd Army Region, branding him an adversary, as well as showing a submissive tone towards Hun Sen, with her signalling a readiness to comply with the Cambodian strongman's demands.

The 2nd Army supervises the border with Cambodia from Sa Kaeo to Ubon Ratchathani that includes the four contested areas at the centre of the current dispute between the two countries.

She stands accused of lacking qualifications and integrity under Sections 160 (4) and (5) of the constitution. The complaint also alleges that she lacks honesty and engages in conduct that constitutes a grave breach of ethical standards.

Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is acting prime minister.

The Constitutional Court said that the petition concerned Sections 82 and 170 of the constitution.

Section 170 referred to conditions for the termination of ministers’ terms and Section 82 is among the conditions.

Section 82 allows senators to ask the Constitutional Court to suspend and end the tenure of members of the parliament.

The Constitutional Court on Monday ordered Ms Paetongtarn to file a written clarification within 15 days.

After learning of the court’s order Ms Paetongtarn said she had phoned Hun Sen in a bid to prevent more clashes with Cambodia.

“I was thinking only about way to prevent clashes and casualties. I insist that I had no ill intentions,” she said.

"I apologise if the approach I took was unsatisfactory,” the suspended prime minister said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... -call-case
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Who is Suriya?

Suriya Juangroongruangkit born 10 December 1954) is a Thai politician who has served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Minister of Transport since April 2024 and September 2023 respectively. He served his first term as the Deputy Prime Minister from August 2005 to September 2006 and as the Minister of Transport from October 2002 to August 2005. He previously also served as the Minister of Industry for multiple times, Deputy Minister of Industry and Member of the House of Representatives. He is a member of the Pheu Thai Party and was one of the leaders of the Palang Pracharath Party as well as the Thai Rak Thai party.

Early life and career

Suriya Juangroongruangkit was born on 10 December 1954 in Bangkok to Thai Chinese ancestry. he attended Triam Udom Suksa School, Phaya Thai, and studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received a bachelor of science in manufacturing engineering in 1978. After working for various car companies in Thailand, he was appointed transport minister on 3 October 2002. On 11 March 2005 he started his second term in office.

In 2003, Suriya paid $95,200 USD for a lucky license plate number for his son's car: 9999.

He is the uncle of Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.

Political career

When Suriya was a member of the Thai Rak Thai, he served as the secretary-general of the party. As part of the Palang Pracharath party, he was an influential member of the Sam Mitr faction. Under Prime-minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, he served as the Minister of Industry.

At the beginning of 2023, there were rumours that both Suriya and Somsak Thepsuthin would defect from the Palang Pracharath party to Pheu Thai. They then informed the party's leader Prawit Wongsuwon of their intention to remain and run in the House of Representative elections. However, on 23 March 2023, Suriya and Somsak, along with Suirya's wife Anongwan joined the Pheu Thai party.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office by the Constitutional Court on 1 July 2025, and Suriya took over as Thailand's acting leader.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suriya_Juangroongruangkit

[Jun]

She stands accused of lacking qualifications and integrity ........ The complaint also alleges that she lacks honesty and engages in conduct that constitutes a grave breach of ethical standards.

Isn't that normal ?

In much of the world, politicians appear to lack appropriate qualifications, skills, integrity, honesty & ethical standards. In parts of the world driven by tea money, I think that's even more likely to be the case.

Also, who decides if the establishment have appropriate qualifications & integrity to interfere & remove the PM ?


The only country I can think of with some rational criteria for who can be elected is Singapore.

[Dodger]

Isn't that normal ?

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Deputy PM Suriya sounds like a real gem too.

I'm sure a Thai cabinet member who pays U.S. $95,000 for a license plate number is just heaping with honesty and integrity...

[Gaybutton]

honesty and integrity

Honesty and integrity + politician = oxymoron

[Gaybutton]

Assuming Paetongtarn will not be permitted to resume office, I notice that when it comes to selecting a new Prime Minister, holding an election, especially one where the peoples' vote actually counts, is not even mentioned.

If she refuses to resign, I think a 10-year ban from politics will be imposed on her.
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Overhang expected from suspension

Several sectors want government to carry on

July 2, 2025

The suspension of Ms Paetongtarn has investors on edge, though it may cool protests in the short term, say analysts. Chanat Katanyu

The Constitutional Court is expected to take 1-3 months to hand down the final verdict on the fate of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after the court suspended her from the post over a leaked recording of a phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Most analysts anticipated a suspension during the investigation into a Senate petition accusing the premier of breaching ethical standards in violation of the constitution.

"We expect the court to take 1-3 months, handing down a verdict possibly by September," said Kasem Prunratanamala, head of research at China-based CGS International Securities Group.

If she is found guilty, she is likely to be banned from politics for 10 years. However, the parliament can still vote in a new prime minister from the available candidates, including Chaikasem Nitisiri from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, whom CGS believes could be the new premier, he said.

The political overhang will continue to pressure the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index, which has fallen by 23% this year, making it the worst performing market in the world year-to-date.

"We believe investors have priced in various concerns, including the US's reciprocal tariffs, domestic political turmoil and a weak domestic economy," said Mr Kasem.

"Protesters plan to rally again, but have yet to fix a date. We believe street rallies will once again disrupt businesses as consumers stay home for fear of violence, which could open the door for the military to intervene."

Given domestic political uncertainties, he said Thailand may not have much bargaining power with the US regarding planned import tariffs of 36%.

"The finance minister expects the tariff to be reduced to 10%, which we believe is too optimistic," said Mr Kasem.

Nuttawut Wongyaowarak, head of research at Globlex Securities, said investors took heart from Tuesday's court ruling as it could prevent political protests from intensifying.

"If the court did not accept the petition, protests against the prime minister were likely to escalate. Investors and the market do not like political turbulence," he said.

RISING ECONOMIC CONSTRAINTS

Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank, said following the premier's suspension, political uncertainty weighs on Thailand's economic outlook.

Both domestic and foreign investors are becoming increasingly hesitant, with many delaying or reconsidering investment decisions.

This caution is especially pronounced in sectors reliant on government spending, such as construction.

"The private sector is likely to adopt a wait-and-see approach, particularly for projects tied to public budgets," he said.

However, if the government can maintain political stability and ensure continuity in policy direction, the erosion of investor confidence could be contained, said Mr Amonthep, though he warned of tensions between the coalition parties.

"Should coalition parties face pressure to reassess their alignment or withdraw support, the situation could escalate towards a House dissolution," he said.

Mr Amonthep said disbursement of the current fiscal budget and planned stimulus budget is unlikely to be disrupted or delayed, as the government retains full authority and is not operating in a caretaker capacity.

Still, a political collapse and House dissolution could delay the approval process for the fiscal 2026 budget, posing a risk to the economy from the fourth quarter of this year through the second quarter of next year, he said.

TRADE TALK UNAFFECTED

Sompop Manarungsan, president of Panyapiwat Institute of Management and an economic analyst, said he believes the suspension order is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Thai delegation to the US for tariff negotiations.

He said the US is unlikely to focus on individual figures, but rather the entire Thai political system and whether it is mature and established.

If Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai were to step in as acting prime minister, Mr Sompop said it would likely make the transition period smoother, particularly given the escalating domestic tensions such as the protests that occurred last Saturday.

However, if the government is unable to carry on, then parliament should be dissolved and a new election held in order to preserve the system, he said.

"I believe US officials understand Thailand's political model and that this situation has not yet reached a dead end," said Mr Sompop.

"The suspension is unlikely to pose a limitation on the Thai delegation in tariff negotiations."

CONFIDENCE SHAKEN

Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said the premier's suspension would disrupt operations considerably and likely affect decision-making on important issues, making economic outlook more challenging.

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said the court ruling reflects the instability of Thai politics, which can weaken investor sentiment.

He said the administration should continue with an acting prime minister and new cabinet in place.

"We should follow the situation over the next few months after the opening session of parliament on July 3," said Mr Thienprasit.

Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, said an acting premier and cabinet led by the Pheu Thai Party should continue working to solve the economic and tourism crises.

Stimulus measures should be implemented as planned, as tourism operators must cope with tepid purchasing power and sluggish foreign arrivals, he said.

During the low season this year, Khao San Road businesses anticipate 30% fewer tourists year-on-year, said Mr Sanga.

He said it is difficult to predict whether protests against Ms Paetongtarn will be prolonged, as the acting cabinet is still led by her political party.

Nuttanai Anuntarumporn, chief executive of Interlink Telecom Plc, said government fiscal 2026 disbursement could slow in terms of new project launches, as a new cabinet may not maintain current policies.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding US tariffs and domestic political stability is likely to delay both consumer and business spending, he said.

For Interlink Telecom, its projects under independent agencies, such as the 5.4-billion-baht rural internet rollout, remain unaffected.

TOO MUCH POLITICS

With Ms Paetongtarn's political future hanging by a thread, ministers may not address all their full portfolio as they focus on political issues, including how to gain trust from people in the next election, said Tanit Sorat, vice-chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry.

Some ministers may be considering how to garner votes in the next general election if the court's verdict caves in the government, he said.

"My question is who will fully work under these conditions?" said Mr Tanit.

The political turbulence comes as Thailand needs a capable leader and a strong team of ministers to survive economic challenges that threaten to deal a blow to GDP growth this year, he said.

The US's final reciprocal tariff rate on Thai imports is unknown, and a high rate would weaken Thai manufacturers' and exporters' competitiveness in the global market, said Mr Tanit.

Meanwhile, the Thai-Cambodian territorial conflict is also straining the economy, and leaders are needed to address the situation, he said.

The suspension of Ms Paetongtarn only added to the lack of trust in the prime minister, said Mr Tanit.

"When businesspeople step away from their roles, they are ordinary individuals sharing the same feelings as other people," he said.

CONSISTENT ENERGY POLICY

Key energy development plans should remain intact even if there is a new premier, said Praipol Koomsup, an economist at Thammasat University who was a committee member under former energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee.

One state project he pushed for continuity on is a direct power purchase agreement (PPA) that allows companies to buy renewable power directly from producers.

Peer-to-peer renewable power trade was prohibited in Thailand, but the National Energy Policy Council approved a pilot project on direct PPA last year to facilitate sales of clean power to data centre projects.

"A minister working in the place of the premier can carry on the work," said Mr Praipol.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... suspension