Thailand’s political landscape witnessed a dramatic turn on Wednesday as newly appointed Cabinet ministers took their oaths of office before King Maha Vajiralongkorn at Dusit Palace, in a ceremony marked by the conspicuous presence of suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The swearing-in ceremony follows weeks of legal and political uncertainty after Thailand’s Constitutional Court temporarily suspended Paetongtarn Shinawatra from prime ministerial duties over an alleged asset concealment case, casting doubts on the stability of the coalition government led by her Pheu Thai Party.
Key Highlights from the Cabinet Oath-Taking Ceremony
- Paetongtarn Attends Despite Suspension:
Despite her suspension, Paetongtarn attended the royal ceremony in her capacity as Pheu Thai Party leader, sparking intense media attention. She was seen seated prominently alongside acting Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. - New Ministers Sworn In:
The Cabinet reshuffle included 14 new ministers, aimed at strengthening economic management, social welfare delivery, and coalition stability. Among them:- Anutin Charnvirakul: Returned as Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister, focusing on universal healthcare expansion.
- Pichai Naripthaphan: Appointed Finance Minister, tasked with stabilising the baht and managing public debt amid global slowdown concerns.
- Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol: Named Tourism and Sports Minister to drive the Thailand Tourism Rebound 2025 initiative.
- King’s Blessing:
King Vajiralongkorn urged the Cabinet to “govern with integrity, unity, and wisdom to uplift the lives of the Thai people,” according to the Royal Household Bureau statement.
Why Was PM Paetongtarn Suspended?
Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn on June 20 following a petition alleging that she failed to declare certain family assets linked to her Shinawatra business holdings, violating constitutional provisions on conflict of interest and asset transparency.
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| June 10 | Opposition MPs filed petition | Accepted by Constitutional Court |
| June 20 | Court orders suspension | Paetongtarn barred from official duties pending verdict |
| Expected July End | Final verdict on asset concealment case | May decide her political future |
Acting PM Srettha Thavisin’s Role
With Paetongtarn suspended, Deputy PM Srettha Thavisin has assumed acting prime ministerial responsibilities. Addressing the media post-ceremony, he said:
“This Cabinet reshuffle brings in experienced professionals to accelerate economic recovery and implement Pheu Thai’s promises to the people.”
Srettha, Thailand’s former real estate tycoon, faces the twin challenge of retaining coalition unity while managing macroeconomic headwinds and political turbulence.
Key Priorities of the New Cabinet
| Ministry | New Minister | Immediate Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | Pichai Naripthaphan | Baht stabilisation, SME credit infusion |
| Energy | Prasert Chanruangthong | Renewable transition, fuel price caps |
| Health | Anutin Charnvirakul | Universal health insurance expansion |
| Tourism | Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol | Achieving 40 million tourist arrivals target in 2025 |
| Agriculture | Captain Thamanat Prompow | Rice price support, irrigation projects |
Analysts say the reshuffle reflects Pheu Thai’s attempt to strengthen economic governance to offset growing public discontent over cost of living pressures.
Political Reactions
- Opposition Move Forward Party: Criticised the Cabinet changes as a cosmetic exercise that ignores deeper structural reforms needed to address inequality and governance transparency.
- Royalist Senators: Expressed concern over Paetongtarn’s continuing influence despite her suspension, warning it could undermine public faith in constitutional processes.
- Pheu Thai Supporters: Held rallies outside Government House, demanding swift reinstatement of Paetongtarn to lead her election mandate.
Public Sentiment Snapshot
A recent Bangkok Poll conducted between June 27-30 among 1,200 respondents showed:
| Question | Response (%) |
|---|---|
| Should Paetongtarn resign if found guilty? | Yes: 61%, No: 28%, Undecided: 11% |
| Confidence in new Cabinet to handle economy? | High: 19%, Moderate: 44%, Low: 37% |
| Priority issues for new government | Cost of living: 53%, Corruption: 27%, Healthcare: 14%, Education: 6% |
Paetongtarn’s Political Future
The Shinawatra scion, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has vowed to fight the charges, dismissing them as “politically motivated attempts to dismantle a democratically elected leadership.”
Legal experts suggest:
“If convicted, Paetongtarn could face a lengthy political ban, reshaping Thailand’s power equations. But acquittal would cement her leadership position within Pheu Thai and national politics.”
Regional Economic Implications
Thailand’s economic trajectory under the reshuffled Cabinet holds significance for ASEAN, especially in:
- Tourism Recovery: Driving regional travel demand and service sector growth
- Supply Chains: Strengthening manufacturing links with Vietnam, Malaysia, and India under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- Investment Climate: Political stability will influence FDI flows into Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)
Geopolitical Observations
Analysts note that the Cabinet changes and Paetongtarn’s legal battles are being closely watched by:
- China: Thailand’s largest investor and trade partner, keen on continuity for Belt and Road projects.
- US: Monitoring political stability for Indo-Pacific supply chain realignment.
- Japan: Prioritising Thailand’s role as a manufacturing hub within ASEAN.
Future Outlook
The Constitutional Court is expected to deliver its verdict on Paetongtarn’s asset concealment case by end of July 2025. Possible scenarios include:
- Acquittal: She returns as PM, reasserting control over policy and party strategy.
- Conviction: Could face political disqualification, triggering internal party leadership shifts and possible coalition realignments.
- Prolonged Suspension: May weaken government credibility and delay key economic decisions.
Conclusion
Thailand’s Cabinet reshuffle and the oath-taking ceremony, attended by suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, mark a critical juncture in the country’s complex political saga. As her legal fate hangs in balance, the Pheu Thai-led government must navigate economic headwinds, coalition management, and public expectations to sustain its hold on power and ensure stability in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on official statements, parliamentary data, and political analyses. It does not express personal views or recommendations.
