Phumtham says he can't attend Cabinet meeting until sworn in

Phumtham Wechayachai says he can't attend Cabinet meeting until sworn in, with oath ceremony set for July 3.

Newly appointed Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Tuesday that he cannot attend the weekly Cabinet meeting for now, as he has yet to take an oath to the King.

Phumtham has been removed from his roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister to become the Interior Minister in the new Cabinet announced in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday.

The oath-taking ceremony is reportedly scheduled for Thursday, July 3.

Phumtham said Cabinet members who remain in the same posts can attend the weekly meeting as usual, but he and others appointed to new posts must wait to be sworn in before they can start their duties.The new Cabinet has left the post of Defence Minister vacant. Phumtham said that although the position remains vacant, Deputy Defence Minister Gen Natthapon Nakpanich could serve as acting Defence Minister and manage the Thai-Cambodian border situation effectively.

Phumtham declined to confirm whether the post was left vacant for Gen Chalermphol Srisawat, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, who is due to retire at the end of September.

“I have no idea. You must check with the Prime Minister,” Phumtham replied.

He added that if Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra were removed from duty due to the constitutional court case, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit would become acting PM.

(2025/07/01-00:00)