Papering over cracks

At a time when the country needs a strong, competent government to handle numerous challenges, the new cabinet is just the opposite.

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In short, it is not up to expectations, by any standards.

The reshuffle became inevitable after Bhumjaithai, the second largest coalition partner, withdrew from the government and went into the opposition.

Despite calls for Paetongtarn Shinawatra to quit over the controversial telephone conversation with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen, she is still struggling on.

Hours after the cabinet list was announced on Tuesday, she was suspended as prime minister by the charter court over the telephone leak saga, but maintains a place in the cabinet as culture minister.

Evidently, the new cabinet is not based on meritocracy.

The change is to ensure the party's short-term, if not immediate, survival by sharing the political cake among those in its circle — giving or returning favours so they do not jump ship and will still be around at the next election.

Some appointments are astounding.