Thailand prepares for a new interim Prime Minister following a government reorganization
Thailand is experiencing a significant shift in its political landscape, with Phumtham Wechayachai assuming the role of acting prime minister following a cabinet reshuffle. The change comes after Suriya Jungrungreangkit served for just one day as the interim prime minister, as part of a planned reshuffle before the current political developments[1][2][3].
The change in leadership comes at a critical time for the kingdom, as it grapples with a spluttering economy and attempts to secure a US trade deal to avoid a 36 percent tariff threatened by President Donald Trump[4].
The political upheaval began when the Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, pending an ethics probe. The court suspects Paetongtarn of breaching ministerial ethics during a territorial dispute with Cambodia, which led to cross-border clashes in May, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier[2][3]. This suspension occurred on the same day the king endorsed a new cabinet lineup, where Paetongtarn was reassigned to the role of culture minister[3].
The territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has been a contentious issue, with Paetongtarn's diplomatic call to Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen causing widespread backlash due to her referring to a Thai military commander as her "opponent." This move was seen as undermining the military and led to a conservative party abandoning Paetongtarn's ruling coalition[5].
Phumtham Wechayachai, the new acting prime minister, is a loyal lieutenant to Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Thaksin Shinawatra. He transitioned to politics through a role in Thaksin's telecoms empire and has held the defense and commerce portfolios in previous cabinets[6]. Phumtham served as acting prime minister after a crisis in the top office last year[7].
The newly-appointed cabinet is set to hold its first meeting on Thursday afternoon, and a royal statement is expected from the new cabinet in the evening[1]. The kingdom awaits the outcome of the ethics probe into Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the resolution of the territorial dispute with Cambodia, as it navigates through challenging political and economic times.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-new-acting-premier-to-be-sworn-in-on-thursday-2021-06-16/ [2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/15/thailands-court-suspends-prime-minister-amid-border-row-with-cambodia [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57590388 [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/trade/thailand-says-it-seeks-us-trade-deal-to-avoid-36-tariff-threat-from-trump-2020-04-01/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-party-quits-ruling-coalition-over-border-row-with-cambodia-2021-05-14/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-politics-phumtham-idUSKBN2D00JR [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-acting-premier-phumtham-wechayachai-stepping-down-2020-09-02/
- The political shift in Thailand is taking place against the backdrop of numerous challenges, including a stagnant economy and a paused US trade deal negotiation to avert a potential 36% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump.
- The court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra due to allegations of ministerial ethics breaches during a territorial dispute with Cambodia, which escalated into cross-border clashes in May, causing the death of a Cambodian soldier.
- The territorial disagreement between Thailand and Cambodia has long been a source of conflict, with tensions further intensified by Paetongtarn's controversial diplomatic call to the Cambodian ex-leader.
- Phumtham Wechayachai, the new acting prime minister, is a trusted ally of both Paetongtarn and Thaksin Shinawatra, having transitioned into politics through a role in Thaksin's telecoms business and previously serving in cabinet positions for defense and commerce.
- The newly established cabinet will convene for its inaugural meeting on Thursday afternoon, while a royal announcement is anticipated from the new leadership in the evening.
- As the kingdom maneuvers through turbulent political and economic landscapes, it also faces the ongoing ethics probe against Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the resolution of the contentious territorial quarrel with Cambodia.