Thailand's 'Royal Gazette' on Tuesday (July 1) announced the new cabinet list, with Paetongtarn continuing to serve as Prime Minister and also taking on the role of Minister of Culture. The new cabinet has already received the King's approval, and the swearing-in ceremony will be held on Friday (July 4).
According to reports cited by 'Asia Television News', due to the resignation of several ministers, new appointments were needed to fill the vacancies and adjust certain positions to ensure proper administrative management and benefit national governance.
According to the announced list, in addition to retaining the post of Prime Minister, Paetongtarn will replace Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol as Minister of Culture. Sudawan will now serve solely as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Some analysts believe that Paetongtarn's move may be in response to an upcoming Constitutional Court decision. On that day, the court is set to review a petition accusing her of serious ethical misconduct, relating to an audio recording of her conversation with Cambodias Senate President Hun Sen. If the court decides to suspend her from the prime ministership, serving as Minister of Culture could help her retain a seat in the cabinet.
Paetongtarn herself denies such speculation, stating that holding the portfolio of Culture Minister is to promote the "soft power" national strategy.
Members of Paetongtarn's new cabinet include Phumtham Wejayachai as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, with his original role as Defense Minister temporarily vacant. Jatuporn Buruspat will succeed Pichai Naripthaphan as Commerce Minister. Suchart Tanchareon returns as Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office. Narumon Pinyosinwat moves from Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives to Minister of Education.