Thailand's cabinet appoints acting PM

BANGKOK - Thailand's cabinet on Saturday appointed Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to serve as acting prime minister, following a constitutional court ruling that terminated Paetongtarn Shinawatra's premiership.

Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Chusak Sirinil announced the appointment following a special cabinet meeting, which also appointed Prommin Lertsuridej as PM's Secretary General.

Chusak said that the cabinet approved a strict framework for its operations during this transitional period to ensure stability without exceeding its mandate.

The move was a constitutional requirement following the court's ruling, that the existing cabinet continue to govern in a caretaker capacity until a new administration takes office.

The Secretariat of the House of Representatives has issued a notice to members of the parliament to convene from Sept 3 to 5.

The lower house of the parliament is set to vote for the new prime minister based on the list of candidates submitted before the May 2023 general election.