Despite his recent suspension as Thailand’s prime minister, Phet Thongsing Shinawatra has retained a position in the country’s new cabinet as Minister of Culture. On Thursday morning, he and 14 other ministers participated in the swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Bangkok, formally assuming their new roles.
The cabinet reshuffle came shortly after Phet was suspended by the Thai Criminal Court on July 1. The new acting prime minister is Phumtham Wichayachai, while Suriya Jungrungruangkit leads the reshuffled cabinet. The changes followed the conservative Bhumjathai Party’s exit from the ruling coalition, forcing the government to rely on smaller parties to maintain a parliamentary majority, raising concerns over its ability to pass key legislation.
Phet, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has faced declining popularity after a controversial leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen about border issues last month. She has been given 15 days to respond to allegations related to her recent conduct. The new cabinet faces political instability as it navigates Thailand’s legislative and coalition challenges in the coming months.
