Thailand’s new Cabinet was recently approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assumed office on Aug. 16, succeeding Srettha Thavisin, who was ousted due to an ethics violation. Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Prime Minister ousted in a 2006 military coup. She leads the Pheu Thai Party, which came to power after the previous general election.

The newly appointed Cabinet members largely resemble the previous administration, with five deputy prime ministers retaining their positions. Notable officials like Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa also continue in their roles. The endorsement of the new Cabinet followed the dismissal of the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party from the ruling coalition.

The Pheu Thai Party extended an invitation to the Democrat Party to join the coalition. Chalermchai Sri-on, the Democrat Party leader, was appointed as the Minister of Natural Resources. Historically, the Thai Rak Thai Party disrupted the Democrat Party’s dominance in electoral politics in 2001 when Thaksin came into power. This initiated a political rivalry that persisted through years of unrest and elections.

The Cabinet selections underwent careful vetting to ensure compliance with legal standards after the prior Prime Minister was removed over ethics violations. Individuals like Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised, previously accused of ordering murders, were replaced. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thammanat Prompao, who had a criminal record for drug trafficking, also lost his position.

Legal experts in Thailand, including Prinya Thaewanarumitkul from Thammasat University, pointed out the subjectivity in the judiciary’s interpretation of ethics and honesty in such cases. The country’s political landscape is influenced by power struggles, court rulings, and public opinion, reflecting a complex dynamic between different political factions.