Thailand just watched its acting prime minister take charge for exactly one day. Suriya Jungrungreangkit stepped into the top job Wednesday after courts kicked out Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The transport minister attended a ceremony marking 93 years of the prime minister's office. He refused to answer reporters asking about his super short time as leader. Suriya admitted his main task was signing papers to hand power to someone else Thursday.
The Constitutional Court suspended 38-year-old Paetongtarn over a messy fight with Cambodia. She made a phone call to Cambodia's former leader and called him uncle. The prime minister also referred to a Thai military commander as her opponent during the same conversation. A leaked recording of her words caused massive public anger across Thailand. Conservative politicians accused her of betraying the military and bowing down to Cambodia.
Paetongtarn comes from Thailand's most powerful political family led by her father Thaksin Shinawatra. The Shinawatra clan has battled conservative forces since the early 2000s. Thaksin faces his second day in court Wednesday for insulting the royal family. The charges could land him in prison for 15 years if judges find him guilty. Political experts say the family's grip on power has weakened dramatically.
Phumtham Wechayachai will become the next acting prime minister after Thursday's cabinet ceremony. The political chaos threatens Thailand's chances of securing a trade deal with America. President Trump has threatened to slap 36 percent tariffs on Thai goods without an agreement.
The Constitutional Court suspended 38-year-old Paetongtarn over a messy fight with Cambodia. She made a phone call to Cambodia's former leader and called him uncle. The prime minister also referred to a Thai military commander as her opponent during the same conversation. A leaked recording of her words caused massive public anger across Thailand. Conservative politicians accused her of betraying the military and bowing down to Cambodia.
Paetongtarn comes from Thailand's most powerful political family led by her father Thaksin Shinawatra. The Shinawatra clan has battled conservative forces since the early 2000s. Thaksin faces his second day in court Wednesday for insulting the royal family. The charges could land him in prison for 15 years if judges find him guilty. Political experts say the family's grip on power has weakened dramatically.
Phumtham Wechayachai will become the next acting prime minister after Thursday's cabinet ceremony. The political chaos threatens Thailand's chances of securing a trade deal with America. President Trump has threatened to slap 36 percent tariffs on Thai goods without an agreement.
