Thailand’s new cabinet line-up is ready to be submitted for royal endorsement, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday, while downplaying reports on the absence of legal scholar Borwornsak Uwanno.
The prime minister stated that the list of cabinet ministers was in good order and indicated that Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State, would be appointed deputy prime minister overseeing legal affairs.
Addressing questions about Mr Borwornsak, who had previously been expected to retain the legal affairs deputy premiership, Mr Anutin said such changes were a normal part of political cycles.
“I’ve spoken with him because we work together. There’s nothing unusual about this. Each cabinet has a separate term. Even if the prime minister remains the same, it is still considered a new administration,” he said.
Reports indicate that cabinet nominees have already submitted their records to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister for vetting. The new cabinet is expected to comprise 35 members, one short of the full 36, leaving room for potential future adjustments.
Coalition insiders said the Palang Pracharath Party, which holds five House seats, would not receive a cabinet quota, with positions instead allocated to the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and the Pheu Thai Party.
Meanwhile, Julapun Amornvivat, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, dismissed reports of dissatisfaction among party MPs over cabinet allocations.
He said the formation of a government requires negotiation and careful consideration of individuals best suited to each ministry, as well as their ability to implement policy.
“The number of positions is limited, but there are many capable people. Not everyone can be appointed, and everyone understands this. There is no internal conflict,” he said.
Mr Julapun added that those not selected for cabinet posts still have important roles to play, including political appointments, parliamentary duties, and other responsibilities. He declined to comment on specific nominees.
Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat said discussions on policy with the Bhumjaithai Party had proceeded smoothly, and that the party’s proposals would be incorporated into the government’s policy statement.
He added that Pheu Thai would oversee ministries related to social development and human capital, emphasizing that while results may not be immediate, such policies are essential for long-term progress.
The United States has also congratulated Mr Anutin on his re-election and expressed its readiness to work closely with the new government.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington values its longstanding alliance with Thailand and looks forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
