On Thursday, Thailand experienced a significant political shift as the king appointed a new cabinet, marking the third individual to assume the role of prime minister within a week. This change follows a court ruling that has thrown the country’s highest office into disarray.
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s Office experienced significant turmoil as the Constitutional Court announced the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This decision comes in light of an ongoing ethics investigation that may extend over several months.
Power has been transferred to Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who assumed his role for just one full day, as a significant announcement was made during an uneasy interim period preceding the anticipated reshuffle.
On Thursday morning, former defence minister Phumtham Wechayachai took the oath of office as interior minister, as appointed by the king. In this new role, he assumes the position of deputy prime minister, surpassing Suriya’s rank, effectively making him the acting premier.
In a recent statement shared on social media, the Thai government announced that the newly formed cabinet has officially approved Phumtham’s appointment as acting prime minister during its inaugural meeting.
Before her removal, Paetongtarn took it upon herself to assume the position of Culture Minister in the newly formed cabinet, thereby maintaining her presence within the upper echelons of power.
The recent changes in leadership occur amid the kingdom’s efforts to rejuvenate a struggling economy and negotiate a trade agreement with the United States, all while facing the impending risk of a significant tariff proposed by President Donald Trump.
‘Big Comrade’ takes the lead.
Phumtham is viewed as a steadfast ally to the suspended Paetongtarn and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a formidable figure at the helm of a political dynasty that has significantly influenced Thai politics in the 21st century.
Since the early 2000s, parties associated with Thaksin have been in a contentious battle with the pro-military and pro-conservative establishment. However, analysts indicate that the political brand of the Thaksin family is now experiencing a decline.
Phumtham, now 71 years old, acquired the moniker “Big Comrade” due to his involvement with a left-wing youth movement during the 1970s. He later transitioned into politics, leveraging his experience from a position within Thaksin’s telecommunications empire.
In earlier administrations, he managed the defence and commerce portfolios and briefly served as acting prime minister during a crisis that affected the highest office last year.
Paetongtarn has faced significant challenges due to a protracted territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. This tension escalated in May, resulting in cross-border clashes that led to the death of one Cambodian soldier.
A leaked recording reveals that during a diplomatic call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, she addressed him as “uncle” while referring to a Thai military commander as her “opponent,” sparking significant backlash.
A conservative party has withdrawn from her ruling coalition, leading to a cabinet reshuffle. The party accused her of yielding to Cambodia and compromising the military’s integrity.
The Constitutional Court indicated that there was “sufficient cause to suspect” Paetongtarn violated ministerial ethics amid the ongoing diplomatic controversy.
