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<p data-start="88" data-end="300"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thailand&rsquo;s cabinet has named Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as the acting Prime Minister, following the suspension of Paetongtarn Shinawatra amid an ongoing ethics investigation.</span></p>
<p data-start="302" data-end="685"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to a government statement issued after the swearing-in of new cabinet members, Phumtham, now the first in line to serve as acting Prime Minister, will exercise full authority and responsibilities of the position. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who previously held the role temporarily, has been named the second acting Prime Minister.</span></p>
<p data-start="687" data-end="1170"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Paetongtarn was suspended by the Constitutional Court pending a review of allegations that she violated ethical standards. The charges stem from a leaked phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, during which she reportedly discussed sensitive border issues. The call led to public backlash and a formal complaint by 36 Thai senators, prompting the court to unanimously accept the petition and, in a 7-2 vote, suspend her from duties until a final ruling is issued.</span></p>
<p data-start="1172" data-end="1298"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The court has given Paetongtarn 15 days to submit evidence in her defense, though the timeline for a ruling remains uncertain.</span></p>
<p data-start="1300" data-end="1585"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Earlier on Thursday, Thailand&rsquo;s King Maha Vajiralongkorn formally endorsed the new cabinet, swearing in ministers during a ceremony at the Dusit Palace. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub confirmed that Phumtham would serve as the lead deputy in the acting Prime Ministerial role.</span></p>
<p data-start="1587" data-end="1733" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deputy PM Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who had been serving as acting Prime Minister during the transition, led the new cabinet in the royal ceremony.</span></p>
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<div class="pointer-events-none h-px w-px" aria-hidden="true" data-edge="true"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]</span></div>

Thailand appoints Phumtham as interim PM amid Paetongtarn's ethics probe and court-ordered suspension

Phumtham Named Acting PM After Paetongtarn Suspended

Thailand appoints Phumtham as interim PM amid Paetongtarn's ethics probe and court-ordered suspension

July 4, 2025 | 17:16 IST