Report Thailand Eyes Global Stage with Soft Power Push Led by Paetongtarn

[webfact]

File photo released by Thailand's Government Spokesman Office shows Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at Government house in Bangkok

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a grand plan to export Thailand's soft power globally. Taking on the culture portfolio in a new cabinet, she vows to promote Thailand's cultural assets, despite potentially facing suspension by the Constitutional Court for alleged ethical breaches. Her initiative aims to boost the nation's cultural influence as part of her government's broader agenda.

 

Paetongtarn, daughter of Pheu Thai's Thaksin Shinawatra, may be ordered to step down, pending a court decision regarding her actions during the Thai-Cambodian border conflict.

 

Without giving specifics, she confirmed intentions to elevate and market Thailand’s cultural prowess globally. Previously, a budget of 5.1 billion baht was set aside by a past Pheu Thai-led government for this cultural scheme, though progress has been limited.

 

As Culture Minister, Paetongtarn has committed to developing soft power alongside tourism and sports projects. However, should the court decide against her tomorrow, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to step in as caretaker prime minister. Phumtham, closely aligned with Thaksin, would likely manage the interior portfolio simultaneously.

 

This cabinet reshuffle, placing Thaksin’s daughter in charge of culture, has sparked discussions about tactics to maintain her role within the Pheu Thai-led government. Thammasat University's Prinya Thaewanarumitkul highlighted it as a strategic move to retain her influence.

 

Should Paetongtarn be removed from her position, Pheu Thai MP Chaikasem Nitisiri could be appointed as the new prime minister. Paetongtarn faces allegations of political naivety and compromising Thailand’s interests while interacting with Cambodian leader Hun Sen, a situation perceived to harm the nation's prestige.

 

Despite potential political upheaval, the Pheu Thai Party remains the central force in the coalition government, with Thaksin likely aiming to keep the premiership within his party. Chaikasem, one of Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidates in the 2023 elections, joins Paetongtarn and former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as possible successors.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-01

 

 

[redwood1]

When the going gets rough.....It time to play the soft power card yet again...No ones quite sure what exactly soft power is....But it sounds so good to say it...

[ikke1959]

The greed is just unknown of this family... A new post as Culture Minister and PM so 2 jobs and 2 payments and if she will be removed as PM she will still be in the Cabinet to fill her pockets.. The only way to get rid of her is new elections