Prime Minister to Convene Meeting on Saturday for Government Policy Refinement
The newly formed cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is set to hold a crucial meeting on Saturday aimed at finalizing a comprehensive policy statement that will define the government’s objectives moving forward.
His Majesty the King has officially endorsed the 35-member cabinet, with the complete list of ministers published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday. Ms. Paetongtarn and her cabinet are scheduled to take the oath of office at Ambara Villa in Dusit Palace at 5 PM on Friday.
In accordance with legal requirements, the government must present its policy statement to parliament before commencing its official duties. Ms. Paetongtarn is anticipated to deliver this statement on September 11, officially starting her role on September 16, with the first cabinet meeting set for September 17.
One of the top priorities on the government’s agenda is the Pheu Thai Party’s flagship initiative, the digital wallet handout, expected to roll out before the conclusion of the 2024 fiscal year on September 30.
However, adjustments to the program are forthcoming, as Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat acknowledged on Wednesday. Initially, not all funds distributed will be in digital form; many recipients in the first phase are likely to receive cash.
A proposed supplementary bill to increase the budget for the current fiscal year by 122 billion baht to support the handout initiative has already been approved by parliament.
Sources indicate that the forthcoming policy statement will build on the previous version put forth by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, with a focus on five or six urgent issues.
“The digital wallet policy will certainly be part of the statement, but it is expected to undergo revisions,” the source noted.
Ms. Paetongtarn was appointed as prime minister by the House of Representatives on August 16, taking over from Mr. Srettha, who was removed by the Constitutional Court due to a “gross ethics violation” related to appointing Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a minister.
The cabinet of Paetongtarn now enjoys the backing of 322 MPs in the House following an alliance with the Democrat Party while excluding a faction within the Palang Pracharath Party led by Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon.
Pheu Thai, the lead party in the coalition, boasts 17 cabinet roles, with the remaining 19 positions allocated to coalition partners.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who will oversee the defense portfolio, commented that Saturday’s special meeting will facilitate discussions among coalition partners to refine the government’s policy before presenting it to parliament.
Mr. Phumtham emphasized that coalition partners have collaborated for over a year, and any disagreements will be resolved in pursuit of consensus.
He added that the policy statement will serve as a guiding framework without delving into specific details.
“There isn’t much that’s been added. While it’s a new cabinet, the foundational framework will remain the same, albeit some details may be adjusted in response to evolving circumstances,” he said.
Mr. Phumtham affirmed that the Prime Minister quickly grasps essential points and is a competent public speaker, negating the need for preparatory coaching prior to parliamentary presentations or fielding questions from MPs.
Addressing Criticism of Family Connections in Cabinet
He urged critics to reconsider their perceptions, responding to accusations that the new cabinet resembles a “family cabinet.” Such claims arose after former ministers, concerned about the implications of the Srettha ruling, allowed family members to occupy their former positions.
Notably, Chada Thaised, a key figure from Uthai Thani facing potential ethics scrutiny, relinquished his post to enable his daughter to take the deputy interior minister role.
Thamanat Prompow, known for a past heroin trafficking conviction, also faces scrutiny under the new ethics framework, having passed the deputy agriculture minister role to his brother.
Mr. Phumtham asserted that ministerial appointments were based on merit rather than familial ties.
Akanat Promphan, secretary-general of the coalition United Thai Nation Party, who will lead the industry portfolio, dismissed accusations on Wednesday about undermining his previous opposition to Yingluck Shinawatra by joining the cabinet.
Mr. Akanat, stepson to prominent Democrat party member Suthep Thaugsuban, was once a vocal member of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee, which campaigned to oust the Yingluck administration and played a role in the 2014 military coup.
“Decisions are not easy, but I assure you this is the optimal course of action at this time,” Mr. Akanat stated. “The threats and challenges facing the country have evolved, and it’s crucial that we unite.”
