Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has given his approval to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's new cabinet, as revealed by the Royal Gazette on Wednesday. The 36-member cabinet of her coalition government includes 12 new members. At 38, Paetongtarn is Thailand's youngest prime minister, having been elected by parliament following the unexpected removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by a court decision. Her Pheu Thai Party, which has been in power since 2001 in various forms, continues to hold significant influence in the new cabinet, with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa retaining their positions. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai now oversees the defence portfolio and has been replaced as commerce minister by former energy minister Pichai Naripthaphan, a top Pheu Thai adviser. The Pheu Thai Party, associated with the billionaire Shinawatra family, holds 17 of the cabinet positions, with the remaining 19 distributed among coalition partners. The new cabinet is expected to present its policy proposals to parliament as early as next week, according to government chief whip Wisut Chainarun. These proposals include modifications to Pheu Thai's flagship policy of transferring 10,000 baht ($292) to 50 million Thais through a smartphone app, with some of the funds now to be distributed in cash. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former controversial premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is perceived by many as still holding significant influence. She is the second woman and fourth family member to hold the top post, following the removal of the others by coups or court decisions. Pheu Thai will also manage the transport, health, tourism, and culture ministries, while the Bhumjaithai Party, the coalition's second-largest party, has secured eight cabinet seats, including those of the interior, education, and labour ministries. Bhumjaithai plans to advance a cannabis bill to regulate marijuana, following the success of decriminalizing the drug, which has led to a surge in marijuana-related businesses. The swift formation of the cabinet is seen as a positive sign for the smooth implementation of stimulus measures, according to Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association. He emphasized the importance of quick financial transfers to the economy, particularly to vulnerable groups, to invigorate grassroots activity.
Text: Lara Palmer
04.09.2024
Paetongtarn Shinawatra's Coalition Government Prepares to Roll Out New Policies