Thai PM Suspended from her duties and New Cabinet Lineup
On July 2, the Constitutional Court ruled to accept the petition filed against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra concerning allegations of serious ethical misconduct. The Court has ordered a temporary suspension of her duties pending further investigation and final ruling.
In accordance with constitutional procedure, a Deputy Prime Minister is expected to assume caretaker responsibilities during the interim. The suspension follows the recent appointment of the new cabinet, and further political developments will be closely monitored.
New Cabinet Appointed
On July 1, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn granted royal endorsement for the appointment of a new cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The new appointments follow recent changes within the governing coalition. The cabinet reshuffle includes 16 ministerial appointments, aimed at filling vacancies resulting from the coalition realignment as well as internal restructuring. The new ministers are expected to assume their roles following the official swearing-in ceremony scheduled for July 3.
Key Appointments
- H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra remains Prime Minister, and takes on the additional role as Minister of Culture (as of July 2, she has been temporarily suspended from her duties by order of the Constitutional Court)
- H.E. Jatuporn Buruspat is appointed Minister of Commerce
- H.E. Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit is appointed Interim Minister of Defense
- H.E. Phumtham Wechayachai, remains Deputy Prime Minister, and is appointed Minister of Interior
- H.E. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn is appointed Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives
- H.E. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit is appointed Minister of Labour
- H.E. Suchart Tancharoen is appointed Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office
- H.E. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol is appointed Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation
- H.E. Narumon Pinyosinwat is appointed Minister of Education
- H.E. Dech-it Khaothong is appointed Deputy Minister of Interior
- H.E. Rinthipond Varinvatchararoj is appointed Deputy Minister of Education
- H.E. Tewan Liptapallop is appointed Deputy Minister of Education
- H.E. Chaichana Detdecho is appointed Deputy Minister of Public Health
- H.E. Anucha Sasomsub is appointed Deputy Minister of Public Health
- H.E. Chantawit Tantasith is appointed Deputy Minister of Commerce
