The Cabinet held a special meeting on August 30, approving the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Phumtham Wechayachai as Acting Prime Minister. The decision follows a Constitutional Court ruling that terminated the Prime Minister’s position under Section 170 (4) of the Constitution. With the premiership vacated, the Cabinet is now functioning in a caretaker role until a new government is formed.
Under constitutional and administrative procedures, the Cabinet must designate one minister to perform the duties of the Prime Minister in such circumstances. The Cabinet resolved that Phumtham Wechayachai will assume this role, while the rest of the Cabinet will continue in a limited capacity under Section 168(1) of the Constitution and Section 10 of the Public Administration Act.
According to Prime Minister’s Office Minister Chusak Sirinil, the Cabinet also approved the appointment of Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej as Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, effective the same day. He will serve in a political capacity to support the caretaker administration.
To guide its actions during the transition period, the Cabinet approved a set of principles governing its limited authority. While essential, urgent, or ongoing matters may proceed on a case-by-case basis, decisions on new policies or actions that would bind the next administration are to be deferred. Specific rules were also outlined for the handling of draft legislation currently under review by the Council of State.
All political appointees directly appointed by the Prime Minister, including assistant ministers and Thailand’s trade representatives, are required to vacate their posts. If any are to return to service, they must be reappointed in accordance with existing legal procedures.
Although previous orders signed by the now-vacated Prime Minister are nullified, the Cabinet agreed to allow the Ad Hoc Centre for Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation to continue its work. This decision ensures continuity in addressing ongoing cross-border matters during the political transition.
Source: NNT
Phumtham Takes on Acting Premier Role as Cabinet Transitions to Caretaker Status
