Bangkok (VNA) – Anutin Charnvirakul took office on September 7 as Prime Minister of Thailand after winning a parliamentary vote and receiving a royal endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Speaking immediately after assuming the post, Anutin pledged to work hard for the benefit of the people and the country.
He also outlined four key priorities for his government: the economy, relations with Cambodia, natural disasters, and social issues. On the economy, he promised to cut household expenses, reduce living, energy and transport costs, tackle debt, and raise incomes for individuals, businesses, and communities.
On border security, he vowed to pursue peaceful solutions with Cambodia to minimise losses on both sides, but stressed that Thailand would not concede “a single square centimetre” of its territory. He also pledged swift compensation for Thai families in border provinces affected by clashes.
Regarding natural disasters, he said his government would improve early warning systems and strengthen compensation and rehabilitation schemes, building on projects he initiated as interior minister. On social issues, he promised to confront narcotics, human trafficking, scams, and both physical and online gambling.
Currently, the new PM is working to finalise his cabinet lineup. On September 6, he introduced three “outsiders” who will serve in the cabinet, affirming that the new lineup will be “very attractive,” with experts ready to “get to work right away,” selected on the basis of experience and dedication.
Anutin has held many important positions in government, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, and Minister of Public Health. He is widely known for leading Thailand’s COVID-19 pandemic response in a country heavily dependent on tourism./.
