Thailand's new cabinet was sworn in before King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the royal palace in Bangkok today. Former defense minister Phumtham Wechayachai became interior minister, considered the most powerful position in the cabinet.

This appointment makes Phumtham the acting prime minister, replacing deputy prime minister and transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

Suriya served as acting prime minister for only one day, 2/7. The ruling Pheu Thai party explained that Phumtham's seniority within the newly reshuffled cabinet placed him above Suriya in the line of succession.

The 71-year-old Phumtham is a veteran Pheu Thai politician and a longtime associate of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Phumtham Wechayachai leaves Government House in Bangkok, Thailand on 3/7. Photo: AFP

Phumtham Wechayachai leaves Government House in Bangkok, Thailand on 3/7. Photo: AFP

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended on 1/7 by the Constitutional Court pending an investigation into her 15/6 phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The suspension will remain in effect until the court issues a ruling. The court permitted Paetongtarn to retain her position as culture minister and to submit her defense within 15 days.

Paetongtarn stated that the purpose of her call with Hun Sen was solely to protect national sovereignty and ensure the safety of Thai soldiers.

Paetongtarn, Suriya, and Phumtham are all members of the Pheu Thai party. Although the party came in second in the 2023 elections, it formed a coalition government, securing its leadership.

Huyen Le (Reuters, AFP)