Thailand’s suspended PM Shinawatra turned out to be a political player, played this big bet to save power

Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Shinawatra may have lost the PM’s post, but she is still on board in the power game. On Thursday, she took oath as Culture Minister along with new cabinet ministers. This step has been taken at a time when she is facing an ethics investigation over a controversial conversation with the Cambodian leader.

In fact, the case against Patongthorn heated up when there was a border clash between Thailand and Cambodia in May, in which a Cambodian soldier died. After this, a leaked phone call of hers with Hun Sen went viral, in which she tried to reconcile with Cambodia. But the Thai public saw this call as a bowing down. Allegations were made that she damaged Thailand’s reputation. On this basis, a petition of ethics violation was filed against her.

The journey from Prime Minister to Culture Minister
Patongathorn was suspended from the post of Prime Minister on Tuesday. But on the same day, the Thai King approved the new cabinet, in which she was made the Culture Minister. That is, now she is a part of the government, but does not have the same power as before. The post of Culture Minister is considered a respectable but limited authority ministry in Thailand. This ministry looks after art, heritage and cultural matters, but it does not have any major role like defense or foreign policy.

Took oath, but kept away from questions
Patongatran reached the Government House smiling on Thursday and took oath along with the rest of the ministers, but kept avoiding questions from the media, during this time the acting Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungrengkit got the new cabinet approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The court’s decision is still pending
The Constitutional Court of Thailand unanimously accepted this petition for hearing and suspended her immediately by 7-2 votes. The court has given her a chance to file a reply in 15 days. Now everyone’s eyes are fixed on what decision the court gives.