• Phumtham Wechayachai appointed acting prime minister following Paetongtarn Shinawatra's suspension.
• Paetongtarn faces an ethics investigation linked to a controversial phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen.
• The Thai government experiences significant political turbulence, with multiple leaders in a short time.

Phumtham Wechayachai is set to take over as Thailand’s acting prime minister following the abrupt suspension of Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court. Suriya Jungrungreangkit briefly held the role for one day before transitioning to Phumtham, who is also the newly appointed interior minister, as part of a cabinet reshuffle aimed at demonstrating leadership continuity amidst political instability, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

The controversy surrounding Paetongtarn involves an ethics complaint related to a phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, where she reportedly referred to a Thai general as "an opponent" and Hun Sen as “uncle.” Critics claim these remarks are damaging to national interests, leading to public outcry and calls for her resignation. The suspension follows an allegation of breaching ministerial ethics, pending further investigation by the court, as detailed by Al Jazeera and India Times.

Phumtham, a prominent figure in the Pheu Thai Party and an ally of the influential Shinawatra family, has been tasked to manage government affairs while the court deliberates on Paetongtarn’s case. His assertion of confidence in moving ahead with the cabinet reshuffle reflects an effort to stabilize the ruling coalition amidst rising opposition challenges, according to Bangkok Post and Channel News Asia.

Despite being suspended, Paetongtarn has retained a position within the cabinet as culture minister, which has led to scrutiny regarding her eligibility to serve. Some senators have called for urgent legal interpretations amid concerns that her involvement in the government while under investigation may violate constitutional guidelines, as highlighted by SCMP and Bangkok Post.