Protecting culture is key

The latest cabinet shakeup has shifted the spotlight onto the Ministry of Culture. Officials of this usually quiet ministry received their new, high-profile minister yesterday, who was only days before suspended as prime minister.

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Paetongtarn Shinawatra swiftly moved her office from Government House to the Ministry of Culture yesterday, creating a buzz among officials and the public alike.

PM Paetongtarn is the second prime minister in Thai history to concurrently take up the post of culture minister. The first was Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram in 1952. Field Marshal Plaek - known for his media savviness, used elements of Thai culture, such as patriotic literature, food and even dress codes to propel his ultra-nationalistic propaganda campaign.

In modern times, this portfolio is regarded as Grade C in Thai politics — the seat is either given to political rookies or to return favours to loyal politicians. The ministry receives around 7 billion baht annually, among the five ministries that have the lowest budget allocation. Unlike agriculture, education or even the labour ministries, the Minister of Culture does not have the opportunity to engage or give favours to local voters.