Thailand appoints new Cabinet under PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra

On August 16, Thailand appointed a new Cabinet under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following the endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. This change came after the ousting of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, due to a court ruling related to an ethics violation involving a Cabinet member. Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leads the Pheu Thai Party, which gained power after the last general election amidst a complex political landscape. The new Cabinet largely mirrors Srettha's, with several deputy prime ministers retaining their positions, including Anutin Charnvirakul and Pichai Chunhavajira. The composition of the Cabinet was scrutinized to avoid legal issues, especially after Srettha's downfall. Notably, the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party was removed from the ruling coalition, which had previously been a significant player in Thai politics. In a strategic move, the Pheu Thai Party invited the Democrat Party to join the coalition, appointing its leader, Chalermchai Sri-on, as Minister of Natural Resources. This collaboration marks a significant shift in the political dynamics, as the Democrat Party had historically opposed Thaksin's political influence. The ongoing struggle between Thaksin's supporters and opponents continues to shape Thailand's political landscape. Legal experts have raised concerns about the subjective nature of ethics probes and the power of the Constitutional Court, which can influence political stability. The new administration faces challenges not only from opposition parties but also from potential legal actions stemming from past grievances, indicating a turbulent political future ahead.