Thailand’s Cabinet Appoints Phumtham Wechayachai as Acting Prime Minister Amid Political Upheaval.
Appointment
In a transitional move on July 3, 2025, Thailand’s Cabinet named Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as Acting Prime Minister following a Constitutional Court ruling that suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for ethical violations. The decision ensures governance continuity amidst escalating political instability.
- The appointment occurred during a special Cabinet meeting held at Government House, Bangkok, where Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Chusak Sirinil announced Phumtham’s designation. Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej was simultaneously appointed as Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet laid out a clear caretaker framework to maintain stability without overstepping its mandate.
- Phumtham Wechayachai, aged 71, is a veteran politician from the Pheu Thai Party with previous roles as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Commerce in the Srettha and Paetongtarn governments, and Interior and Defence Minister. Known as "Big Comrade," he first served briefly as Acting Prime Minister in August 2024.
Main Point :- (i) The Constitutional Court’s decision came in late August 2025, when a 6-3 ruling officially removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for breaching ethical norms by referring to Cambodian leader Hun Sen as “uncle” in a leaked phone call amid border tensions.
(ii) Although the Cabinet now serves in a caretaker capacity, Phumtham was vested with full Prime Ministerial authority—including committee leadership and administrative control. However, new long-term policies were deferred until a new government is formed. The Secretariat of the House of Representatives has scheduled a parliamentary session for September 3–5, 2025, when MPs will vote to elect a permanent Prime Minister.
(iii) This leadership shift deepens Thailand’s political uncertainty. It coincides with evolving party dynamics—Pheu Thai and rival Bhumjaithai are vying for alliances, while the major People’s Party holds the balance of power with its demand for a referendum to amend the constitution and dissolve Parliament within four months as conditions for support.
About Thailand
Capital: Bangkok
Currency: Thai Baht
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