Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Chousak Sirinil explained that, following the court’s ruling, the Cabinet is now functioning in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed.

He said that the Cabinet meeting approved the appointment of Mr. Prommin Lertsuridej as Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, effective on August 30. The Cabinet also approved a framework for its operations during this transitional period.

Mr. Chousak said that the meeting also discussed legislation already approved by the Cabinet and being scrutinized by the Council of State. The legislation must be reconsidered by the new cabinet as well. In terms of policy, the issue may bind the next government; therefore, the meeting decided to suspend it for now.

Constitutional Court Ruling Details

The Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Thailand dismissed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for an ethical breach over her private conversation with Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia.

The decision was made on August 29, 2025, when the nine judges of the Constitution Court voted 6-3 against Ms. Paetongtarn, saying that she had violated the ethical standards a prime minister is subjected to under the Constitution.

Previously, on July 1, the Constitutional Court suspended Ms. Paetongtarn from duty over her conversation with the Cambodian Senate President after the court had accepted a petition from 36 senators, asking the court to investigate the audio recording of the phone conversation, which was leaked by Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

The court stated that her remarks on the audio recording of the phone conversation potentially weakened Thailand’s position and allowed Cambodia to interfere in domestic affairs. According to the Constitution, a minister must be trustworthy and subject to scrutiny in all aspects.

The ruling by the court on August 29 means the suspended prime minister was immediately removed from office, together with her entire Cabinet. However, the remaining Cabinet members will continue to perform caretaker duties until a new cabinet takes office.

After learning the court’s ruling, Ms. Paetongtarn stated that she accepted the verdict and expressed her gratitude to the people for providing her with an opportunity to serve the country as prime minister. She also urged all sides to join hands in strengthening Thailand’s political stability.

The House of Representatives will meet soon for a vote for the new prime minister. For the time being, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will continue to serve as acting prime minister until a new prime minister is appointed.