The inauguration of Prime Minister Srettha’s office was marked with a distinct, swift, and efficient approach to governance, as observed in his first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. This vibrant meeting—a whirlpool of clear follow-ups, explicit instructions, and an intertwining web of conversations with relevant governmental bodies, served as a refreshing spectacle compared to the prior administration’s procedures. Preceded by the delivery of the new cabinet’s policy statement during a parliamentary sit-down on Monday and Tuesday, the regime’s intent of resolute administration was not misunderstood.
With an illustrious background under his belt as the former president and CEO of the property powerhouse, Sansiri Plc, Srettha forayed into the political landscape this year as the prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu Thai Party—an entity that boasts the largest share in the ruling coalition. Srettha’s entrepreneurial prowess glaringly manifested itself in his debut cabinet meeting, which presented a stark contrast to his predecessor, General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s approach that typically engendered longer, more elaborate meetings.
Srettha’s modus operandi can be credited to his hands-on approach as he personally engaged with related state entities a day prior to consider the matters up for discussion in the Cabinet. A notable highlight of this discussion was the potential introduction of visa-free entries for tourists from China and Kazakhstan—an initiative approached with detail in consultation with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism and Sports, as well as security agencies.
A swift half-hour meeting led by Srettha to discuss the 2024 state budget, which included the participation of four different economic agencies, was swiftly conducted due to prior discussions about relevant issues. His approach for concluding government matters that needed to be finalised was precise—Srettha urged responsible cabinet members to examine the issue at hand and provide timely progress updates, while also suggesting them to form dedicated working groups to liaise with relevant organizations if necessary.
The latest approach emulates a CEO’s methodology in running a large-scale business—something Srettha is well familiarized with. His business-like approach subtly breaks away from the previous bureaucratic lethargy that was characterized by a protracted process for proposals to reach the Cabinet and for the prime minister to provide directions.
During his inaugural Cabinet meeting, 14 instructions were given to corresponding ministers and agencies, and the assignments varied from organizing the 72nd birthday celebration for His Majesty the King to studying the feasibility of a referendum on drafting a new constitution, planning the seizure of illegal firearms, and the implementation of a visa-free policy, among other crucial matters.
The whirlwind of changes proposed and the swift actions taken by Srettha and his team bring a fresh wave of governance that blurs the line between politics and corporate management—a welcome change from languid bureaucratic procedures.
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