Paetongtarn Shinawatra / Thailand's suspended PM Shinawatra turned out to be a political player, played this trick

Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thailand's former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra may have lost her PM post, but her moves in the chess of power are not over yet. On Thursday, she took oath as the Minister of Culture along with new cabinet ministers. This step has been taken at a time when she is facing a serious ethics investigation over controversial talks with the Cambodian leader. This development brings a new twist in Thailand's politics, where the balance of power, ethics and public eyes remains the center of discussion.

Root of the controversy: Talks with Cambodia

The controversy against Paetongtarn started when a tense clash took place on the border between Thailand and Cambodia in May. A Cambodian soldier died in this clash, after which tensions increased between the two countries. Meanwhile, a phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen was leaked. In this call, Patongatrn tried to reconcile with Cambodia, but the Thai public saw it as a compromise with national interests and weakness.

Many people considered Patongatrn's conversation in the leaked call as damaging to Thailand's sovereignty and credibility. After this, a petition of ethics violation was filed against him, in which he was accused of ignoring national interests. The case reached Thailand's Constitutional Court, which unanimously accepted it for hearing and suspended him from the post of Prime Minister with immediate effect by a vote of 7-2.

From suspension to Culture Ministry

On Tuesday, Patongatrn was suspended from the post of Prime Minister, but on the same day Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved the new cabinet, which included Patongatrn as the Culture Minister. This move signals a strategic comeback for him, even if it is not as powerful a role as before. In Thailand, the Ministry of Culture is responsible for arts, heritage and cultural preservation, but it is considered to have limited powers compared to influential ministries such as defense, foreign policy or economic affairs.

This new role of Patongatrn is a kind of "soft landing" for him. It keeps him in the government, but significantly limits his power and influence. Political analysts believe that this appointment sends a message to his supporters that he is still within the power circle, while for his opponents it is a signal that his strength is no longer the same as before.

Oath ceremony and distance from questions

On Thursday, Patongatrn arrived at the Government House smiling and took oath with the new cabinet. During this, acting Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungrengkit got the cabinet formal approval from the King. However, after the oath ceremony, Patongatrn kept a distance from media questions. His attitude further fueled speculation that she is cautious about her position and is waiting for the court's decision.

Court's decision: What will be the next step?

The Constitutional Court has directed Patongatrn to file a reply to the allegations of ethics violation within 15 days. The court's decision in this case will not only decide Patongatrn's political future, but will also have a wide impact on Thailand's politics. If the court rules against her, her presence in the cabinet may also be in danger. On the other hand, if she escapes this investigation, it will be a big political victory for her.

Shinawatra's influence in Thailand's politics

Patongatrn Shinawatra has been an influential name in Thailand's politics. Her family's political history has been full of controversies and ups and downs of power. Her father Thaksin Shinawatra has also been the Prime Minister of Thailand in the past and many controversies also surfaced during his reign. Patongatrn's new role is being seen as an attempt to keep her family's political legacy alive, even though she is no longer in as powerful a position as before.