The court took on the petition from 36 senators that accused Paetongtarn of dishonesty and breaching ethical standards in violation of the constitution over the leak of the politically sensitive telephone conversation.
“The court has considered the petition … and unanimously accepts the case for consideration,” it said in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit will take over in a caretaker capacity while the court decides the case against Paetongtarn, who has 15 days to respond and will remain in the cabinet as the new culture minister following a reshuffle.
“Government work doesn’t stop, there is no problem,” said Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who is also secretary general of Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party. “Suriya will become caretaker prime minister.”
The government’s stability is likely to become even more fragile
