Explainer Thailand s political chaos what happens next

BANGKOK – Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on July 1 as it considers a petition filed by 36 senators seeking her dismissal.

The senators have accused the 38-year-old premier of dishonesty and breaching ethical standards in violation of the Constitution over a leaked telephone conversation with Cambodia’s former premier Hun Sen.

Who will lead the government now?

With the prime minister suspended, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, also the minister of transport, will become the caretaker leader.

Mr Suriya, 70, is a veteran of Thai politics, having entered the fray in the 1990s and served in various Cabinet positions for multiple parties since, including the predecessor of the ruling Pheu Thai party.

What happens with the court case?

The court has ordered Ms Paetongtarn to stop performing her duties until it makes a decision. In a statement, the court said she will have 15 days to respond to the allegations made by the petitioners, following which proceedings will continue.

What can Ms Paetongtarn do in the interim?

As part of a Cabinet reshuffle announced earlier on July 1, ahead of the court’s statement, Ms Paetongtarn was appointed as the minister of culture.

Once she is sworn into the position on July 3, she will be able to attend Cabinet meetings in her capacity as a minister, despite the suspension from the Constitutional Court.

What about Parliament?

Thailand’s Parliament will reconvene on July 3.

The Bhumjaithai party, a former member of Ms Paetongtarn’s ruling alliance, previously threatened to straightaway move a no-confidence motion against Ms Paetongtarn and her Cabinet on June 26.

But such a move cannot take place with her now suspended. In any case, for the motion to succeed, Bhumjaithai would need the support of the People’s Party, the largest opposition group that is yet to