Thailand Acting PM Serves One Day Amid Premier Suspension

Thailand's acting prime minister, Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, is set to lead the country for only one full day, stepping in for the suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and heiress of the dominant political dynasty, was suspended by the Constitutional Court over allegations of breaching ministerial ethics during a diplomatic dispute with Cambodia, with an investigation that could last months. Suriya, known for aligning with the government of the day, began his brief tenure by attending a ceremony marking the 93rd anniversary of Thailand's prime ministerial office. However, his time as acting premier will end in a scheduled cabinet reshuffle, with Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expected to succeed him due to holding a higher rank in the order of succession. Despite her suspension, Paetongtarn retains a cabinet position as culture minister, maintaining influence within the government. Analysts view her suspension as a significant setback for the Shinawatra family's political dominance amid ongoing tensions with Thailand's conservative establishment.