BANGKOK — Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra began her new role as Culture Minister on Friday, not only bringing increased spotlight and importance to the ministry but also drawing attacks from opposition groups who have begun targeting her with fake news about the ministry.
Paetongtarn visited the Culture Ministry on the morning of July 4, paying respects to sacred objects at the ministry and the Thailand Cultural Center. She greeted ministry staff with a cheerful demeanor while outgoing Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol handed over responsibilities to her.
Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngen expressed his honor at having the Prime Minister serve concurrently as Culture Minister, marking only the second time in history that a PM has held both positions. The last was Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who established the Culture Ministry nearly 70 years ago.
“The spotlight is now on the Culture Ministry, and our driving force will become increasingly important, whether it’s soft power or leveraging culture to promote the economy and social development,” Prasop said. “Civil servants welcome this and will jointly push forward not just traditional conservation and restoration work, but will create new initiatives with greater significance. I believe we will succeed in many areas in the near future.”
Boost Thai Cultural Soft Power
Paetongtarn acknowledged that while the Culture Ministry is often perceived as a small ministry, it actually plays a central role in promoting Thai culture that is beloved worldwide and has inherent value.
She expressed her desire to see the Culture Ministry grow and become as prominent as those in other countries, including South Korea.
“It may be unfortunate that I have to suspend my duties as Prime Minister, but I’m very happy to have the opportunity to work as Culture Minister for the first time as a cabinet minister,” she said. “So even though I can’t perform my duties as PM, I will fully carry out my responsibilities as Culture Minister. I want the Culture Ministry to be the driving force for new careers and opportunities for Thai people.”
She concluded on a lighter note, saying, “I’m entrusting myself to this ministry. If anyone knows good restaurants, please recommend them – I’ll definitely be eating many meals here.”
Ministry Is Targeted with Fake News
Paetongtarn was ordered to suspend her duty as Prime Minister by the Constitutional Court on July 1, pending an ethics investigation over accusations that she was too deferential to senior Cambodian leader Hun Sen when the two discussed a recent border dispute in a phone call that was leaked. The court gave her 15 days to give evidence to support her case.
Her assumption of the Culture Ministry position during this period also faces challenges, including intensified cultural conflicts between nationalist groups from both Thailand and Cambodia since the border dispute emerged.
She has also been targeted by opposition groups spreading fake news aimed at the Culture Ministry, such as claims that the Fine Arts Department returned 20 ancient artifacts to Cambodia and that Thailand risks losing three temples in disputed areas with Cambodia now that she has become Culture Minister.
Legal Action Against Misinformation Spreaders
Paetongtarn clarified that the decision to return 20 ancient artifacts to Cambodia was made by the previous Cabinet under PM Srettha on May 21, 2024, after experts confirmed the items originated in Cambodia. The process is currently stalled due to insufficient budget for transportation, and the ministry is seeking funding sources to proceed with the return.
She announced plans to file legal complaints against those spreading false information that damages her reputation, emphasizing that the artifact return decision was made before she became Culture Minister and that the ministry knows the circulating claims are untrue.
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