BANGKOK (AP) - Thailand's king has approved the appointment of new Cabinet members amidst a political upheaval, triggered by the departure of a major party from the coalition government following the prime minister's leaked phone conversation with Cambodia's former leader. The reshuffle raises questions about Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's ethical conduct and has led to speculation about a potential suspension from office by the Constitutional Court.
The leaked phone call has been a point of contention, leading to a petition alleging a serious breach of ethics. Prime Minister Paetongtarn acknowledged the situation, stating that she would comply with the legal process while expressing her concerns about the potential interruption of her work. "If you ask me whether I’m worried, I am," she stated to reporters on Monday.
The royal endorsement of the new Cabinet was documented in the government gazette. Anutin Charvirakul, the former Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was replaced after his party exited the coalition due to the fallout from the leaked conversation. Phumtham Wechayachai, who served as the defense minister for the past year, has stepped into Anutin's role while also taking charge of the Interior Ministry. The Defense Ministry position remains vacant, with the deputy minister assuming the role of acting minister.
In a notable turn, Prime Minister Paetongtarn has taken on the additional role of culture minister, with aspirations to promote Thai culture on a global stage. Prior to her prime ministerial role, she had been an advocate for Thailand's "soft power," emphasizing the country's food, culture, and sports as avenues for international recognition.
This development follows last year's Constitutional Court decision to remove Paetongtarn's predecessor over a breach of ethics, highlighting the judiciary's significant influence in the Thai political landscape. The Constitutional Court and other independent agencies in Thailand are viewed as instruments used by the royalist establishment to undermine political adversaries.
In addition to the Constitutional Court's scrutiny, Paetongtarn is also under investigation by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which could similarly result in her ousting. The uproar surrounding the leaked call primarily stemmed from her remarks regarding a regional army commander and her perceived attempts to mollify Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen in a bid to alleviate border tensions between the two nations.
Protests erupted in central Bangkok over the weekend, with thousands of conservative, nationalist-leaning demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn's resignation. The protest, held at Victory Monument, reflects the growing discontent among segments of the population regarding the prime minister's handling of diplomatic relations and internal governance.
The political situation in Thailand remains fluid as the administration navigates this crisis, balancing various pressures from coalition partners, the judiciary, and public opinion. With key Cabinet changes and ongoing legal challenges, the coming weeks will be crucial for Paetongtarn's leadership and the stability of her government.
