The energy was palpable last Thursday as coalition party leaders and core figures stood united at a press conference, all in unison to rally behind the Pheu Thai Party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This charged atmosphere was documented by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, and it’s clear why. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had just achieved a groundbreaking milestone. At 37, she was freshly minted as Thailand’s 31st and youngest Prime Minister, emerging victorious without any competition—a feat that sent political waves through the country.
Fast forward to Monday, Paetongtarn was found delving into her studies at the National Defence College, an intensive program tailored for new executives. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to shed light on a crucial process: thorough background checks for cabinet candidates. This move is aimed at ensuring compliance with legal standards and steering clear of controversies that might endanger the new government. “The qualifications of those who will become cabinet ministers must be inspected carefully to avoid any mistakes,” she emphasized.
Paetongtarn’s comments came at a time when coalition party leaders were inching closer to finalizing the new cabinet. Reports suggested that the Pheu Thai Party, along with its ten allies, was poised to reach an agreement within the week. Key figures from Pheu Thai had already convened on Monday to deliberate the party’s ministerial candidates, and further discussions were slated for Tuesday.
While she acknowledged reports circulating in Thai media, Paetongtarn made it clear that there were no guarantees about retaining all cabinet members from the previous Srettha government. The urgency of the matter was palpable, especially given the recent dismissal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court over an ethics violation related to the appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister.
In light of these events, Paetongtarn underscored the importance of scrutinizing ministerial candidates. “Everyone is concerned about the issue,” she revealed. “It will take less than a month to form a cabinet.” For added assurance, she mentioned that the Council of State, the government’s legal arm, would be tasked with verifying the qualifications of prospective ministers. She urged coalition allies to also conduct initial screenings before forwarding their candidate lists.
The rumor mill was also in full swing regarding the coveted interior minister post. Speculations were rife that Pheu Thai might reclaim this position from Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who held it in the previous government. However, Paetongtarn promptly dismissed these reports, refocusing the conversation on the meticulous selection process for cabinet members.
Adding to the collective effort, Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai played a pivotal role. He confirmed that Pheu Thai had solicited coalition partners to submit their cabinet selections to Prommin Lertsuridej, the prime minister’s secretary-general. These submissions would then be vetted by the Council of State to avert any potential legal entanglements.
Phumtham took the opportunity to reflect on the Constitutional Court’s ruling in the Srettha case. He stressed the necessity for the Council of State and the cabinet secretariat to rigorously check the qualifications of ministerial candidates. The expectation was set for coalition parties to deliver their lists to the PM’s secretary-general by Tuesday.
When quizzed on whether the cabinet post quotas for coalition allies from the previous government would remain unchanged, Phumtham remained noncommittal. He asserted that the prime minister would have the final say on such matters. According to insider sources, the spotlight was also on caretaker Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Capt Thamanat Prompow. Given his past conviction and incarceration for a drug-related offence in Australia during the 1990s, his eligibility for a cabinet position would undeniably undergo stringent checks.
As Paetongtarn Shinawatra takes the reins, the entire nation watches keenly. Her promise of due diligence and transparent governance offers a beacon of hope for Thai politics. The journey from background checks to cabinet formation is just the beginning, and the anticipation is electric. With every move scrutinized, the young Prime Minister is set to navigate through the complex maze of political dynamics, promising a future that’s both vigilant and visionary.
I don’t buy it. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is just another puppet in the Shinawatra family dynasty. It’s all a facade.
Facades or not, she’s focused on strict background checks, which is something we need right now. Let’s give her a chance.
Strict background checks won’t mean anything if the system itself is corrupt. It’s like setting a cat to guard the fish.
Exactly, corruption runs deep, but starting with strict checks is a step in the right direction. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Amazing! She’s really young for such a powerful position. I am optimistic about her leadership.
Youth doesn’t guarantee change. Just remember, she comes from the same political elite.
She might be inexperienced. Let’s hope she actually learns something from the National Defence College.
I get the skepticism, but fresh perspectives can sometimes revolutionize old systems.
Why isn’t anyone talking about the real issues here? What about economic policies?
Exactly. Background checks are important, but we need to hear more about how she plans to fix the economy.
It’s probably because they don’t have a solid economic plan yet. Just political maneuvering.
The Shinawatra family has done a lot for Thailand. Give Paetongtarn some credit here.
The Shinawatras also have a history of controversies. We can’t ignore that.
But their policies have genuinely helped people. It’s a mixed bag, I agree.
I’m more concerned about Pichit Chuenban’s appointing. This could spell disaster if not properly addressed.
Interesting point about Thamanat Prompow. If he gets into the cabinet despite his criminal record, it will be a joke.
Transparency and rigorous checks should become standard procedure, not just a one-time political stunt.
Absolutely. It’s the only way we can regain trust in our government.
So, they’re really serious about these background checks, huh? I have mixed feelings about this.
Why mixed? We should all be advocating for cleaner politics!
I agree, but I doubt they can really pull it off without biases.
Love how dedicated she is! Inspiring to see a young woman leading with vigor.
Yeah, but dedication alone doesn’t equate to effective leadership. Let’s see how she handles real challenges.
True, actions speak louder than words. Still, it’s a promising start.
Does anyone think she can actually remove corruption? Doubt it.
It’s not about removing it overnight. It’s about creating systems that progressively reduce it.
Fair point, but still, I remain skeptical until I see any real progress.
Politics in this country is like a circus. Who even takes any of this seriously anymore?
Paetongtarn should focus on unifying the parties first. Internal conflicts will only weaken her leadership.
Imagine the scrutiny if Paetongtarn were a man. People need to stop doubting her just because she’s young and female.
Gender aside, experience and integrity is what matters. Let’s hope she has both.
Does this mean no more cabinet members with shady pasts? That’s a relief!
If only it were that simple. Politics has a way of bending the rules.
The real question is how soon can we expect actual reforms? Talk is cheap.