Thailand's Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Sworn in as Culture Minister

BANGKOK — Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's suspended Prime Minister, was officially sworn in as the Minister of Culture on July 3, 2025. This move allows her to participate in ministerial meetings while awaiting the outcome of a court review regarding allegations of misconduct. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by King Maha Vajiralongkorn at Government House and included 13 other ministers who were also appointed to the newly restructured cabinet, as confirmed by government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub.

The reshuffle came shortly after the Constitutional Court stripped Paetongtarn of her prime ministerial duties, a decision that has raised concerns over the stability of the ruling coalition amid significant political turbulence. The coalition aims to consolidate support from smaller political parties after the recent withdrawal of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, which has notably weakened the government's parliamentary majority.

According to political analysts, this instability raises serious questions regarding the government's capacity to pass crucial legislation, including the upcoming budget. "The renewed political turbulence casts doubt on the viability of the Pheu Thai Party-led government as it navigates through increasingly volatile circumstances," stated Tim Leelahaphan, Bangkok-based economist at Standard Chartered Plc. He highlighted that the political landscape may worsen in the coming months, especially following a controversial phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, which fueled public discontent and speculation about the government's future.

The Constitutional Court's ruling on July 1 granted Paetongtarn a 15-day period to respond to the allegations in the petition against her. Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is expected to lead a special cabinet meeting, where deputy prime ministers and ministers from the Prime Minister's Office will likely receive new assignments.

Phumtham Wechayachai, a senior member of the Pheu Thai Party, has been appointed as the new Minister of the Interior and is anticipated to take over as acting prime minister from Suriya. This cabinet reshuffle not only reflects the current political uncertainties but also suggests a strategic attempt to stabilize the government amid growing dissent and internal challenges.

The ongoing political crisis has broader implications for Thailand's economy. As noted, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index is currently one of the worst-performing stock markets globally, reflecting investor apprehension regarding the political climate. Stakeholders are increasingly worried about the potential for a military takeover as political noise escalates in response to the coalition's fragility.

In summary, Paetongtarn's appointment as Minister of Culture signifies more than just a shift in titles; it encapsulates the ongoing struggle for power within Thailand's political landscape, where governance and stability remain precarious. The future of the Pheu Thai-led coalition hangs in the balance as it faces mounting pressures both from within and outside its ranks.