A unique turn came in Thailand's politics when prime minister Patongtarn Shinawatra was suspended on tuesday due to a leaked call. In his place, Deputy PM Suriya Jungrungreangkit was appointed as the acting prime minister, but his tenure will be only for one day.
What are the allegations against Patongtarn?
In a leaked call, Patongtarn allegedly criticized the army and made a statement in favor of Cambodia, which is being considered a violation of the ministerial code of conduct under the Thai Constitution. The Constitutional Court said that there is enough suspicion against him, so he has been suspended till the investigation is completed. He will have to respond in 15 days.
One day Prime Minister!
Immediately after the suspension, 70-year-old Suriya was made the acting prime minister for Wednesday. He is currently the Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Interestingly, this was the same day when the 93rd anniversary of the Prime Minister's office was being celebrated in bangkok and Suriya will not be able to hold that office for even 93 hours.
New change will happen on Thursday
As part of the pre-planned cabinet reshuffle, Phumtham Vechayachai will be made the new home minister and Deputy PM on Thursday. According to the party, due to the seniority of the post of Deputy PM, Phumtham will be handed over the reins of the country in place of Suriya.
Who is Patongtarn?
Patongtarn comes from Thailand's most influential political legacy and is the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. She became prime minister in august 2023, but her tenure has come under crisis due to controversy and power struggles. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was removed from power through a military coup in 2006. Since then, his family has been the center of controversies and power struggles in Thai politics.
Political analysts believe that this suspension of the prime minister is not just a constitutional or legal process, but an attempt by the military and conservative forces to once again weaken the democratically elected government.
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