Thailand's government shook up its leadership after courts kicked out another prime minister. Paetongtarn Shinawatra lost her top job and moved down to culture minister. The country swore in fresh cabinet members on Thursday during a royal ceremony. Political chaos hit Thailand again after the same court tossed her predecessor less than twelve months ago. Kings and judges keep reshuffling the deck of power players.
Phumtham Wechayachai stepped up to fill the prime minister role after years of loyal service. The veteran politician worked closely with Paetongtarn's famous father Thaksin Shinawatra for decades. He grabbed the interior minister job along with his new duties as acting leader. Deputy ministers lined up behind him to handle government business during the transition period. Royal endorsement sealed the deal for the entire cabinet shuffle.
Border fights with Cambodia landed Paetongtarn in hot water with ethics investigators. A leaked phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen sparked massive public anger. Critics slammed her for giving away too much to Cambodia during tense negotiations. Armed clashes killed a Cambodian soldier back in May and tensions never cooled down. Constitutional Court judges voted to suspend her pending their final decision.
The same court that removed her predecessor struck again with unanimous support for the ethics review. Paetongtarn has fifteen days to defend herself against the accusations. Court officials will decide her political future after reviewing all evidence. King Maha Vajiralongkorn blessed the new cabinet lineup at Dusit Palace during the official ceremony.
Phumtham Wechayachai stepped up to fill the prime minister role after years of loyal service. The veteran politician worked closely with Paetongtarn's famous father Thaksin Shinawatra for decades. He grabbed the interior minister job along with his new duties as acting leader. Deputy ministers lined up behind him to handle government business during the transition period. Royal endorsement sealed the deal for the entire cabinet shuffle.
Border fights with Cambodia landed Paetongtarn in hot water with ethics investigators. A leaked phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen sparked massive public anger. Critics slammed her for giving away too much to Cambodia during tense negotiations. Armed clashes killed a Cambodian soldier back in May and tensions never cooled down. Constitutional Court judges voted to suspend her pending their final decision.
The same court that removed her predecessor struck again with unanimous support for the ethics review. Paetongtarn has fifteen days to defend herself against the accusations. Court officials will decide her political future after reviewing all evidence. King Maha Vajiralongkorn blessed the new cabinet lineup at Dusit Palace during the official ceremony.
