Thailand’s opposition parties announced on Thursday (July 3) that they will postpone filing a no-confidence motion against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, choosing instead to wait for a ruling from the Constitutional Court. Despite this delay, they pledged to unite in order to prevent a political stalemate. Earlier this week, the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from her role after it accepted a petition from 36 senators. The petition accused her of unethical conduct and dishonesty following a leaked phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

On Thursday, ahead of Parliament’s reopening, leaders from five opposition parties — including the Bhumjaithai Party, which recently left the ruling coalition — held a meeting and agreed to work together in pressuring the government. "We need to wait for a clear outcome from the Constitutional Court regarding Paetongtarn’s case before deciding when to proceed with a no-confidence vote," said Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.

Natthaphong, who also heads the People's Party — the largest party in Parliament — stressed that the opposition will work together to avoid a political crisis, even if the court removes Paetongtarn from office. "I assure you, all opposition leaders are in agreement that we won’t allow the country’s politics to reach an impasse," he said. Meanwhile, the government, which holds only a narrow majority in Parliament, is facing pressure from both public demonstrations and internal political tension. In response, it has reshuffled the cabinet to strengthen ties with coalition allies.

On Thursday, 14 newly appointed ministers were sworn in by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Paetongtarn, despite being suspended as prime minister, will assume a new position as minister of culture. Later in the day, the cabinet is expected to meet and name Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as the acting leader. Phumtham, 71, a former defence minister, is also set to take over as interior minister following the changes.