Thailand received a new cabinet after King Maha Vajiralongkorn confirmed 35 members led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday. Paetongtarn took office on August 16, following Srettha Thavisin’s removal after a court determined that he broke ethical regulations by choosing a Cabinet member with a criminal record. Paetongtarn is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in 2006 but remains prominent in politics.
Paetongtarn leads the Pheu Thai Party, which took power after the Senate rejected the Move Forward Party’s prime minister nominee despite having a majority in last year’s election. The new Cabinet includes Deputy Prime Ministers Anutin Charnvirakul, Pichai Chunhavajira, and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, all of whom were part of Srettha’s ministry.
After the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party left the government, there was discussion about the next cabinet’s composition. The Democrat Party, Pheu Thai’s long-time opponent, has entered the government, with leader Chalermchai Sri-on designated Natural Resources Minister. Thaksin’s ousting in 2006 sparked a protracted political battle between his loyalists and conservative groups.
Srettha’s demise necessitated a thorough screening of Paetongtarn’s selections. Notably, Srettha’s Deputy Interior Minister, who was previously accused of murder, was replaced by his daughter, and Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, a convicted drug trafficker, also lost his seat.
