BANGKOK: In a significant political development, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially endorsed a new cabinet, ushering in a new era of governance in the country.
The Royal Gazette published this historic announcement, marking the end of a prolonged period of political uncertainty that has persisted since the May elections.
At the helm of this new cabinet is real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin, who takes on the dual roles of prime minister and finance minister. Srettha hails from the Pheu Thai party, a political entity backed by the influential billionaire Shinawatra family. This appointment places Pheu Thai in charge of critical government portfolios, including defence, transport, commerce, health, and foreign affairs.
Thailand’s political landscape had been marked by instability, with a caretaking government in place since March and the Move Forward party, winners of the May elections, struggling to form a government due to resistance from conservative lawmakers opposed to their progressive agenda.
Interestingly, the Pheu Thai party, which secured second place in the elections, decided to break away from the Move Forward alliance. Instead, they forged partnerships with rival parties aligned with army generals who had previously ousted Shinawatra-linked parties in coups in 2006 and 2014.
The appointment of this new cabinet comes on the heels of Srettha’s victory in a parliamentary vote in August, which paved the way for his ascendancy to the position of prime minister. On the day of the vote, there was another momentous event as Thaksin Shinawatra, the figurehead of Pheu Thai, returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-exile to avoid an eight-year prison sentence. However, his return was marred by health issues, leading to his transfer to a police hospital due to chest pains and high blood pressure. Subsequently, he submitted a request for a royal pardon, which was granted by the king, reducing his sentence to one year, citing his loyalty to the monarchy and poor health.
The swift rise of Srettha to power, Thaksin’s return, and the coalition between Pheu Thai and former rivals have fueled speculation about potential agreements between Thaksin and his adversaries within the country’s powerful conservative and royalist army. However, both Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party vehemently deny any such arrangements.
In terms of governance, the new cabinet sees Pheu Thai taking control of ministries overseeing the economy, a pivotal role in implementing its policies, which include a proposed 10,000 baht ($285.63) handout in the form of digital currency. Their largest coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, known for advocating the use of medical cannabis, will oversee the education, interior, and labor ministries. Conservative and pro-military parties will lead the energy and environment ministries.
Before officially taking office, Srettha and his cabinet of 33 ministers will swear an oath before an audience with the king. They will also deliver a policy statement at parliament, outlining their plans and priorities as they prepare to commence their work in the coming month.
Srettha has already outlined some of the immediate priorities for his government, including addressing the cost of living by reducing electricity and gas prices and relaxing visa entry rules for Chinese arrivals, with the aim of boosting tourism.
