ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Thailand’s newly appointed Cabinet members were sworn in on Thursday, including suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who currently faces an ethics investigation over her controversial remarks to a top Cambodian official.
The oath-taking ceremony took place at Government House and was led by Acting Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Paetongtarn, appearing in good spirits, arrived smiling but refrained from answering media questions.
Suspended Prime Minister Assigned Culture Portfolio
Despite her recent suspension by Thailand’s Constitutional Court, Paetongtarn was named Minister of Culture in the newly endorsed Cabinet lineup. The endorsement was granted by King Maha Vajiralongkorn earlier this week.
The court’s decision on Tuesday followed a unanimous vote to examine a petition alleging that Paetongtarn violated ethical conduct in handling a sensitive diplomatic issue involving Cambodia. A 7-2 vote also resulted in her immediate suspension while the investigation proceeds.
Border Tensions Trigger Probe
The ethics inquiry stems from Paetongtarn’s response to a border clash in May, during which a Cambodian soldier was killed. Her attempt to ease tensions through a phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen drew criticism from political opponents and the public, who accused her of being overly conciliatory and harming Thailand’s diplomatic standing.
She has been given 15 days to submit evidence in her defense. The court has not yet announced a date for its ruling.
Power Transition in Motion
Acting Prime Minister Suriya is expected to pass on his interim duties to Phumtham Wechayachai, who was sworn in Thursday as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister. Phumtham previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister under Paetongtarn’s administration.
The political shift comes at a sensitive time for the Thai government, as it seeks to manage both domestic dissatisfaction and regional diplomatic challenges.
