Bangkok: Paethongtarn makes her first public appearance after staying in custody to fight the audio clip case. Paethongtarn made her first official appearance, chairing a meeting of the Culture Committee and announcing the results of the 67th National Artist selection. She said she hadn't seen the media in a while after staying in isolation to fight the audio clip case.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, chaired the 3rd/2025 National Culture Commission meeting at the Ministry of Culture. Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and a committee of qualified persons also attended.
Ms. Paethongtarn greeted the media, expressing gratitude for their attendance at the National Culture Commission meeting. She noted the absence of Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Chairman of the National Culture Commission, who was occupied with other duties, thereby assigning her as Vice Chairman to lead the meeting.
The meeting addressed two urgent matters: the approval request for the 2026 Cultural Development Promotion Fund budget and a confidential agenda item. The committee prioritized the discussion of this confidential matter.
Additionally, four matters were set for notification and action by the National Culture Commission.
Post-meeting, Ms. Paethongtarn chaired a press conference to announce the 2024 National Artist selections.
This marked her first official appearance as Culture Minister since taking a break from public engagements. Ms. Paethongtarn had avoided media interviews following the Constitutional Court's scheduling of a hearing and verdict on her recorded conversation with Prime Minister Hun Sen.