BANGKOK — New Cabinet members were sworn in in Thailand on Thursday, amid a period of transition following the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This suspension came less than a year after the court had also removed her predecessor. Paetongtarn, who was embroiled in an ethics probe related to a discussion with a senior Cambodian figure, has rejoined the cabinet, taking on the role of culture minister.
The role of prime minister has been taken over by Phumtham Wechayachai, a close ally of Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Phumtham previously served as both deputy prime minister and defense minister under Paetongtarn and was inaugurated on Thursday as deputy prime minister and interior minister. He assured reporters that the government would continue to function smoothly, despite recent disruptions, and refuted any notions of instability.
Criticism has been mounting against Paetongtarn due to her handling of a border conflict with Cambodia, which involved a fatal confrontation with a Cambodian soldier this past May. An attempt to resolve tensions via a private phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen inadvertently sparked public outcry and allegations that she compromised Thailand’s interests by being overly accommodating.
The Constitutional Court unanimously agreed this Tuesday to deliberate a petition accusing Paetongtarn of ethical misconduct, deciding by a 7-2 vote to suspend her pending the court’s decision. Paetongtarn has been given 15 days to present evidence in her defense, though it is uncertain when the court will render its verdict. On that same day, Thailand’s monarch sanctioned a Cabinet arrangement designating Paetongtarn as culture minister.
Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced that Phumtham was appointed the first in a line of deputies prepared to assume the prime minister’s role if necessary. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who temporarily acted as prime minister, led the newly appointed Cabinet members in receiving official approval from King Maha Vajiralongkorn during a ceremony at Dusit Palace.