(Bangkok, 25th) Thailand's new Prime Minister Anutin and his cabinet members have officially been sworn in, beginning an expected term of only four months. This is Thailand's third government in two years.
Serving concurrently as the Interior Minister, Anutin, together with 35 cabinet ministers, took an oath of allegiance before King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Bangkok Royal Palace at 6pm local time (7pm Singapore time) on Wednesday (September 24). Anutin had already been sworn in as Thailand's 32nd prime minister on September 7.
After the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, Anutin told the media that all cabinet members had received the King's blessings and earnest guidance, and that from now on, they would strive with utmost effort to serve the country and its people. He said: "For an ordinary person like me, to receive such a favor is a tremendous honor. I will uphold the King's instructions and wholeheartedly work for the welfare of the country and the people."
That night, he chaired the first special cabinet meeting, where, reportedly, the agenda included explaining the duties and divisions of the six deputy prime ministers and each department, as well as discussing and passing a draft policy statement to be submitted to Parliament next week. According to Thai media, the four main focuses of Anutin's first policy statement are the economy, border and national security, society, and natural disasters.
The cabinet's swearing-in marks the official completion of the Anutin government's formation process. Previously, former prime minister of the Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for violating ethical regulations after a leaked phone recording with Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen regarding a border conflict.
Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party and the opposition's largest party, the People's Party, subsequently reached an agreement to form a minority government, while the Pheu Thai Party became the opposition.
According to the agreement with the People's Party, Anutin pledged to dissolve the House of Representatives within four months after delivering the policy statement, which means Thailand is likely to hold general elections in February next year.
Anutin has indicated that he will prioritize short-term economic stimulus measures to boost consumption, reduce living costs, and help people deeply in debt, while also taking steps to address export and tourism pressures caused by the appreciation of the Thai baht. These policies are intended to win more support for himself and the Bhumjaithai Party ahead of the upcoming general election.
Thailand's political scene has been repeatedly turbulent in recent years, with constantly shifting policy directions. Anutin's appointment of technocrats to head key economic departments is expected to boost investor confidence.
Serving concurrently as the Interior Minister, Anutin, together with 35 cabinet ministers, took an oath of allegiance before King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Bangkok Royal Palace at 6pm local time (7pm Singapore time) on Wednesday (September 24). Anutin had already been sworn in as Thailand's 32nd prime minister on September 7.
After the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, Anutin told the media that all cabinet members had received the King's blessings and earnest guidance, and that from now on, they would strive with utmost effort to serve the country and its people. He said: "For an ordinary person like me, to receive such a favor is a tremendous honor. I will uphold the King's instructions and wholeheartedly work for the welfare of the country and the people."
That night, he chaired the first special cabinet meeting, where, reportedly, the agenda included explaining the duties and divisions of the six deputy prime ministers and each department, as well as discussing and passing a draft policy statement to be submitted to Parliament next week. According to Thai media, the four main focuses of Anutin's first policy statement are the economy, border and national security, society, and natural disasters.
The cabinet's swearing-in marks the official completion of the Anutin government's formation process. Previously, former prime minister of the Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for violating ethical regulations after a leaked phone recording with Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen regarding a border conflict.
Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party and the opposition's largest party, the People's Party, subsequently reached an agreement to form a minority government, while the Pheu Thai Party became the opposition.
According to the agreement with the People's Party, Anutin pledged to dissolve the House of Representatives within four months after delivering the policy statement, which means Thailand is likely to hold general elections in February next year.
Anutin has indicated that he will prioritize short-term economic stimulus measures to boost consumption, reduce living costs, and help people deeply in debt, while also taking steps to address export and tourism pressures caused by the appreciation of the Thai baht. These policies are intended to win more support for himself and the Bhumjaithai Party ahead of the upcoming general election.
Thailand's political scene has been repeatedly turbulent in recent years, with constantly shifting policy directions. Anutin's appointment of technocrats to head key economic departments is expected to boost investor confidence.