Senators to challenge Paetongtarn’s appointment as culture minister

A group of senators is considering petitioning the Constitutional Court to rule whether suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra can serve as culture minister while under investigation for alleged ethical misconduct over a leaked call with Cambodian Senate Speaker Hun Sen.

An informed Senate source said the senators noted that Paetongtarn nominated herself as culture minister, while the Constitutional Court was investigating her ethical conduct and had suspended her from performing duties as prime minister pending their ruling on the case.

Acting prime minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit led all the new ministers and those who changed positions, including Paetongtarn, in an oath taking ceremony before His Majesty the King today.

The senators claimed that most legal experts believe that Paetongtarn cannot be appointed culture minister because of the court’s suspension order, noting that her swearing-in may constitute a breach of Sections 170, 82 and 160 of the Constitution.