Thailand's Prime Minister Sworn in Amid Ethics Investigation

Thailand’s new Cabinet members, including the suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, took their oaths of office on Thursday. Paetongtarn is under an ethics investigation for her remarks to a senior Cambodian leader. She was suspended as prime minister on Tuesday, the same day Thailand’s king endorsed a Cabinet lineup where she would be the culture minister.

Paetongtarn arrived at Government House for the swearing-in ceremony with other new members, smiling but not answering questions. Acting Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit led the ceremony to receive the endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Dusit Palace.

After the ceremony, a special Cabinet meeting assigned Phumtham Wechayachai to become the acting prime minister instead of Suriya. Phumtham was sworn in as deputy prime minister and interior minister. He had held the position of deputy prime minister and defense minister since Paetongtarn took office last year.

Paetongtarn has faced criticism over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, which led to an armed confrontation in May resulting in a Cambodian soldier's death. A leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen aimed to ease tensions but sparked complaints and protests. Critics accused her of going too far in appeasing Hun Sen, damaging Thailand’s image and interests.

The Constitutional Court voted to review a petition accusing Paetongtarn of an ethics breach and suspended her 7-2 until a ruling is issued. She has 15 days to provide evidence for her case, and the court's final decision date is unknown.

According to the source: AP News.