Petongtarn Becomes Thailand’s Culture Minister After Losing Prime Minister Post

Even after losing the post of Prime Minister, Petongtarn Shinawatra has retained her place in Thailand’s new cabinet. Following her temporary suspension, she has now been appointed as the Minister of Culture. Yesterday, Thursday, Petongtarn and 14 other members of the new cabinet participated in the swearing-in ceremony held at Government House in Bangkok. By taking the oath, they formally assumed their responsibilities.Meanwhile, Phumtham Wechayachai has taken charge as the new Acting Prime Minister of Thailand. After taking the oath before the Thai King as Acting Prime Minister, Phumtham held the first meeting of the new cabinet yesterday at Government House in Bangkok, followed by a press conference.Phumtham assumed office at a time of extreme turmoil in the country’s political sphere. Former Prime Minister Petongtarn had a phone conversation with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen amid heightened tensions over a border dispute. When this phone conversation was leaked, the situation escalated. Following the leak, there were strong demands for Petongtarn’s resignation as Prime Minister, and large-scale protests erupted in the capital, Bangkok. Against this backdrop, on July 1, the Constitutional Court gave her 15 days to explain the allegations raised against her. The court temporarily suspended Petongtarn last Tuesday, barring her from performing her duties while an investigation into ethical violations proceeds.The day after, on Wednesday, Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit served as Acting Prime Minister but held the position for only a single day. Then, yesterday, Phumtham Wechayachai was appointed as Acting Prime Minister.