New Cabinet Ministers Sworn In by His Majesty
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra led the newly appointed cabinet ministers in taking their oath of office before His Majesty the King at Ambara Villa in Dusit Palace on Friday. The official ceremony marked the beginning of their responsibilities in government.
The newly formed cabinet will convene for a special meeting on Saturday to craft a statement which lays out the government’s policy agenda. All 35 cabinet ministers were officially sworn in on Friday, paving the way for Prime Minister Paetongtarn to present the government’s policy outline to parliament on September 12-13, followed by her official commencement of duties on September 16.
Before embarking on their governance journey, it is essential for the government to submit its policy statement to parliament. Prime Minister Paetongtarn has indicated her intention to incorporate policy proposals from other coalition parties into the statement, which she aims to finalize by the end of the week.
A key initiative in the government’s agenda is the Pheu Thai Party’s digital wallet handout scheme, expected to roll out before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Parliament has already approved a supplementary bill to increase the current fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support this initiative.
However, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has acknowledged the need for adjustments to the scheme, which may include offering cash instead of digital funds to some beneficiaries.
Other significant policies focus on enhancing citizens’ quality of life, increasing agricultural produce prices, and intensifying the fight against drugs. Long-term strategies will involve the construction of entertainment complexes, including casinos, and implementing water management projects to address ongoing flooding and drought issues.
Last month, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra emphasized the necessity for the new government to engage in “megaprojects,” particularly concerning the entertainment complex, during a local forum. He underscored the urgency of tackling the nation’s chronic flooding and drought challenges.
While discussions around political reforms, including charter amendments and potential pardons under a political amnesty bill, are set aside for the time being, the new government will prioritize addressing economic challenges.
Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong recently presented policy proposals aimed at promoting peace and improving the quality of life for residents in the deep South, alongside supporting educational improvements and local participation in peace negotiations.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn has assigned responsibilities among six deputy prime ministers. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will oversee the Royal Thai Police and the Department of Special Investigation, while Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will manage the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Culture Ministry, and the Public Health Ministry. Additionally, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will supervise the Commerce Ministry, the Budget Bureau, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry.
