Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has been appointed as acting prime minister with full authority to carry out the duties of the premiership at a special cabinet meeting on Saturday morning.
The Constitutional Court decision on Friday that led to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s departure from office also resulted in the entire cabinet vacating their positions, said Chousak Sirinil, a Pheu Thai MP and acting PM’s Office Minister.
Under the constitution, the outgoing cabinet is required to continue in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed, said Mr Chousak, who is also the Pheu Thai Party’s legal expert.
He delivered the briefing after the cabinet meeting at Government House, as the court ruling also led to the automatic termination of political appointees including the government spokesperson and deputies.
The House of Representatives will meet from Wednesday to Friday to select a new prime minister. The Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties have been lobbying furiously to secure support for their candidates.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul claimed on Friday night to have a majority of MPs onside, with the support of the opposition People’s Party.
Ms Paetongtarn was found guilty on Friday of an ethics violation arising from her handling of a leaked telephone call in June with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen.
In the absence of a prime minister, the cabinet must appoint one of the deputies to serve as acting prime minister, according to Mr Chousak.
The meeting on Saturday morning resolved to appoint Mr Phumtham, 71, who has been acting premier since July 1 after Ms Paetongtarn was suspended.
The cabinet also approved the appointment of Dr Prommin Lertsuridej as secretary-general to the prime minister, replacing the outgoing office holder.
Mr Chousak stressed that the caretaker cabinet holds powers equivalent to a regular cabinet, but any policy decisions that may bind the next government must be put on hold. However, urgent matters may proceed as usual.
He added that all political appointees under the prime minister such as advisers, secretaries and assistants, must also vacate their posts.
However, those appointed through ministerial proposals will remain. In case of necessity, temporary appointments may be proposed to ensure continuity.
When asked whether the cabinet had discussed the possibility of dissolving the House, Mr Chousak said there was no such discussion.
“We only discussed urgent matters that need to be addressed now,” he said.
Asked if a legal interpretation on dissolution would be sought from the Council of State, the government’s legal advisory body, Mr Chousak said differing legal opinions exist but the priority now is to complete the formation of a cabinet.
Turning to ongoing policy needs, he said the cabinet discussed legislation already approved and currently under review by the Council of State. These will require reconsideration by the new government. Policies that may bind the next government will be suspended for now, he said.
