Natthapong urges dissolution as PM suspended from duties

Opposition leader argues only a new election can restore stability and legitimacy to the government following PM’s suspension

Leader of the opposition People’s Party Natthapong Ruengpanyawut has called on the government to dissolve the House following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court.

Natthapong said on Tuesday that the public requires a government that is stable, focused, legitimate, and trustworthy to address ongoing challenges, including issues like the US tariff dispute and the continuing border conflicts with Cambodia.

“Our country will not be able to secure a government with all these qualities without a new election which would be the best solution to this crisis by returning power to the people, who are the owners of the country,” he said.

This move followed the Constitutional Court’s decision to unanimously accept a petition from a group of Senators, calling for Paetongtarn's dismissal. 

The petition accuses the premier of breaching ethical standards after a phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen regarding the disputed border issue was leaked.

As a result, the court voted 7-2 to suspend Paetongtarn from her duties pending a final ruling.Natthapong added that his party would use all legal mechanisms to push for a new election if the administration refuses to dissolve the House.

He said, however, that his party does not support using “legal warfare” by political factions to destroy opponents, calling such tactics as “undemocratic.”

“There is no dead end in democracy, unless some groups are determined to push it to a point of no return, seizing power undemocratically and deciding the country’s future for the people,” Natthapong said.

Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, also from the Pheu Thai Party, was ousted by the Constitutional Court for similar ethical breaches.

(2025/07/01-00:00)