Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai King has approved the 35-member cabinet proposed by new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The new line up was published in the Roya Gazette on September 4.
Accordingly, six deputy prime ministers are Phumtham Wechayachai (also the defence minister), Suriya Juangroongruangkit (also the transport minister), Anutin Charnvirakul (also interior minister), Pirapan Salirathavibhaga (also energy minister), Pichai Chunhavajira (also finance minister), and Prasert Jantararuangtong (also digital economy and society minister).
The coalition-core Pheu Thai Party has 17 of the cabinet positions, ministers, and deputy ministers, with the remaining 19 portfolios divided among its coalition partners that include Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, Palang Pracharath, Democrat, Chart Thai Pattana, and Prachachat.
After the new cabinet ministers take their oath of office before the King, they will hold their first meeting to discuss policy statement which is expected to be announced before the parliament between September 11 and 13.
Paetongtarn said on September 3 that there will be no “honeymoon period” for the new government as it has to speed up efforts to tackle various pressing problems.
She confirmed that the digital wallet handout scheme will remain her government’s flagship policy, despite conceding that some details need to be adjusted, including distributing the funds in cash./.
