Chaikasem, who turns 77 in August, has extensive government experience: a former attorney general, he served as Minister of Justice under former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra—Thaksin’s sister and Paetongtarn’s aunt—until that government was overthrown in 2014.

The country has had three leaders in as many days, following a court’s decision to suspend Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra is accused of ethical lapses in a conversation with the Cambodian leader Hun Sen and has faced calls to resign.