Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has given his approval to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s new cabinet, as announced in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday. The cabinet comprises 36 members, with 12 fresh faces joining the lineup. At 38 years old, Paetongtarn became Thailand’s youngest prime minister after the court’s unexpected removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin.
Her Pheu Thai Party, which has been a dominant force in Thai politics since 2001, remains influential in the new cabinet. Key figures like Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa retain their positions. The defence portfolio now belongs to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who has been replaced as commerce minister by Pheu Thai adviser and former energy minister Pichai Naripthaphan.
Pheu Thai, the populist party associated with the billionaire Shinawatra family, holds 17 cabinet positions, including ministers and deputy ministers. The remaining 19 positions are distributed among coalition partners.
The new cabinet is expected to present its policy proposals to parliament as early as next week, according to the government’s chief whip, Wisut Chainarun. These proposals include adjustments to Pheu Thai’s signature policy of transferring 10,000 baht ($292) in credit to 50 million Thais through a smartphone application. A portion of this credit will now be delivered in cash.
Paetongtarn is the youngest daughter of the controversial former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who continues to exert significant influence behind the scenes. She is also the second woman and the fourth member of her family to hold the top post, with the other three removed from office through coups or court decisions.
Pheu Thai will oversee key ministries, including transport, health, tourism, and culture. Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest member of the coalition, has secured eight cabinet seats. These include the ministries of the interior, education, and labor. Bhumjaithai has announced its intention to push forward with plans for a cannabis bill to regulate marijuana following the legalization of the narcotic, which has sparked a surge in marijuana-related businesses.
Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association, expressed optimism about the rapid formation of the cabinet, seeing it as a positive sign that will facilitate a smooth rollout of economic stimulus measures. “There are many parties, but we believe there is unity. We will work together with the government,” he said. “Transferring money to the economic system quickly, especially to vulnerable groups, will create liveliness at the grassroots.”
