Bangkok: Thailand’s political stage witnessed an unusual moment on July 2, 2025, as Suriya Jungrungreangkit, 70-year-old Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, stepped in as acting Prime Minister for just one day. His fleeting leadership came after the Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over alleged breaches of ministerial ethics during a diplomatic row with Cambodia.
👉 A day in the top office
Mr. Suriya, a seasoned politician known for aligning with ruling powers, spent his brief tenure attending a ceremony marking the 93rd anniversary of the Prime Minister’s office. Asked by reporters how he felt leading the country for less than 93 hours, he declined comment, saying his priority was to “sign a paper” to ensure a smooth transition.
He is set to be replaced by Phumtham Wechayachai, incoming Interior Minister, during a cabinet reshuffle on July 3, when Phumtham will take over due to holding a higher Deputy PM title.
👉 Why was Paetongtarn suspended?
The 38-year-old Paetongtarn, daughter of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, was suspended over a leaked phone call with Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen. In it, she called Hun Sen “uncle” and referred to a Thai military commander as an “opponent,” sparking outrage and accusations of undermining Thailand’s sovereignty and military. The court found “sufficient cause to suspect” ethical violations, putting her on indefinite leave as investigations continue.
The crisis also deepened as a conservative party quit her coalition, her approval ratings plummeted, and protests erupted in Bangkok demanding new elections.
👉 What’s next for Thailand?
Analysts see this as a sharp blow to the once-dominant Shinawatra influence, though Suriya and Phumtham remain allies of Pheu Thai, the ruling party. Meanwhile, Paetongtarn still retains her cabinet seat as Culture Minister.
Amid this turmoil, experts warn the instability could hurt Thailand’s trade ambitions, including talks to stave off US tariffs under President Donald Trump’s threatened 36% levy.
A weary Thai public seems resigned. “I don’t care anymore who becomes Prime Minister,” said a local motorbike taxi driver. Calls for stability and fresh polls are growing louder.
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