His Majesty the King has officially endorsed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new cabinet, with the announcement published in the Royal Gazette on Friday.
The royal endorsement clears the way for the cabinet to take an oath before His Majesty, ahead of delivering its policy statement to Parliament. This marks the final step before ministers can formally begin their duties.
Mr. Anutin, who will also serve as interior minister, leads a 36-member cabinet that includes several high-profile appointments.
Among them are Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, Foreign Affairs Minister Sirasak Phuangketkeow, Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon, and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan.
Legal expert Borwornsak Uwanno has been named one of the deputy prime ministers. The defence portfolio has been assigned to Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, who will be supported by his deputy, Lt Gen Adul Boonthamchareon.
At 59, Mr. Anutin has pledged to focus on tackling the high cost of living and reducing household debt, while also taking steps to manage the strengthening currency that has raised concerns for exporters and the tourism industry.
Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was chosen on September 5 as Thailand’s 32nd prime minister, following the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of former premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra last month over an ethics violation.
The opposition People’s Party, which holds the largest bloc in Parliament with 143 seats, has agreed to support a Bhumjaithai-led minority government, provided certain strict conditions are met.
Chief among those conditions is the dissolution of the House within four months of the government’s policy statement, setting the stage for a fresh general election expected to take place in February or March.
