Government convenes emergency session, appoints Phumtham temporarily as Prime Minister
In a significant political development in Thailand, the candidate proposed jointly by the Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties, Anutin Charnvirakul, has been elected as the new Prime Minister on September 5, 2025, by the National Assembly with 311 votes.
The election comes following the departure of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, resulting in the entire cabinet vacating their positions. In her absence, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has been appointed as acting prime minister, a position he has held since July 1 after Ms Paetongtarn was suspended.
The outgoing cabinet is now required to continue in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed. This means that they will continue to perform their duties but will not make any significant decisions or policies that may bind the next government. Policies that may bind the next government will be suspended for now, and temporary appointments may be proposed to ensure continuity, if necessary.
During a special cabinet meeting on Saturday morning, the cabinet approved the appointment of Dr Prommin Lertsuridej as secretary-general to the prime minister, replacing the outgoing secretary-general's position. All political appointees under the prime minister, such as advisers, secretaries, and assistants, must vacate their posts.
The House of Representatives will meet from Wednesday to Friday to complete the selection of a new prime minister. It is worth noting that there was no discussion about dissolving the House during the cabinet meeting.
The ethics violation case against Ms Paetongtarn, which arose from her handling of a leaked telephone call in June with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen, was a significant factor in her departure. She was found guilty of an ethics violation on Friday.
In the meantime, Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul claims to have a majority of MPs onside for their candidate. However, the priority now is to complete the formation of a cabinet, and a legal interpretation on dissolution may be sought from the Council of State, if necessary.
The outgoing cabinet will continue to discuss legislation already approved and currently under review by the Council of State. These legislations will require reconsideration by the new government. In the absence of a prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, who is 71 years old, will continue to serve as acting prime minister until a new government is in place.
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