Government convenes emergency session, appoints Phumtham as temporary Prime Minister
The outgoing cabinet, led by the departing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is required to continue in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed, according to Chousak Sirinil. In a special cabinet meeting on Saturday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai was appointed as acting prime minister to oversee this transition.
The appointment was due to the departure of Prime Minister Paetongtarn from office, following a court ruling on Friday that found her guilty of an ethics violation. The ethics violation arose from her handling of a leaked telephone call in June with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen. All political appointees under the prime minister, such as advisers, secretaries, and assistants, must vacate their posts.
In case of necessity, temporary appointments may be proposed to ensure continuity. Those appointed through ministerial proposals will remain. The cabinet discussed legislation already approved and currently under review by the Council of State. These legislations will require reconsideration by the new government.
Policies that may bind the next government will be suspended for now. The parliament is likely to vote for a new prime minister soon after the formation of the new government following recent elections or political changes in 2025, but no exact date for the vote is given in the available information.
Phumtham Wechayachai, at 71 years old, assumes the role of acting prime minister. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul claimed to have a majority of MPs onside for his party's candidate. However, the focus remains on completing the formation of a cabinet and maintaining the necessary continuity.
In the absence of a prime minister, the cabinet must appoint one of the deputies to serve as acting prime minister, according to Mr Chousak. There was no discussion about dissolving the House of Representatives. A legal interpretation on dissolution will not be sought from the Council of State at this time.
The caretaker cabinet holds powers equivalent to a regular cabinet, but any policy decisions that may bind the next government must be put on hold. The parliament is expected to meet from Wednesday to Friday to select a new prime minister. The entire cabinet vacated their positions following the Constitutional Court decision on Friday.
In the midst of this transition, the acting prime minister and the caretaker cabinet will work diligently to maintain stability and ensure a smooth transition to the new government.
Read also:
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Thai electorate supports business magnate from Generation X as prospective Prime Minister
- Fixing a crucial aspect in Apple's Studio Display stands to improve the experience for both gamers and creative professionals alike.
- Tensions over the contested border between China and India are under discussion at a crucial meeting, while Putin discusses Trump matters.
