Thailand’s cabinet has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as acting prime minister following Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s exit.
Chusak Sirinil, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, announced the decision on August 30 following a special cabinet meeting, where Dr Prommin Lertsuridej was appointed as secretary-general to the prime minister.
Chusak said the Cabinet has also approved a strict framework for activities during the current transitional period to ensure stability without exceeding the limits of its mandate.
Under regulations, following the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s current Cabinet continues to govern in an acting capacity until a new administration takes office.
The court on August 29 dismissed PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for an ethics violation.
The case stemmed from allegations of serious ethical violations after a recording of a phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen was leaked.
The court quoted Paetongtarn as telling Hun Sen that the Second Army Region Commander, Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, siding with her opposite side "shows the weakness of Thailand's internal politics"./.
