Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s New Cabinet Receives Royal Endorsement
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially endorsed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s new cabinet, according to the Royal Gazette on Wednesday. The new 36-member coalition government includes 12 fresh faces, marking a new chapter in Thai politics. Paetongtarn, 38, became Thailand’s youngest prime minister after her election by parliament last month, following the unexpected removal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by a court ruling.
Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party, which has dominated Thai politics since 2001 through various incarnations, continues to be the leading force in the new cabinet. The party has retained key figures, including Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Deputy Premier Phumtham Wechayachai, who previously held the commerce portfolio, will now serve as defense minister. His former role as commerce minister has been handed over to top Pheu Thai adviser and former energy minister, Pichai Naripthaphan.
The cabinet, which includes 17 members from the populist Pheu Thai Party and 19 others from coalition partners, is expected to outline its policy proposals to parliament as early as next week, according to the government’s chief whip, Wisut Chainarun. The newly formed government faces the challenge of balancing diverse political interests while maintaining its populist agenda.
