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Paetongtarn Shinawatra Becomes Thailand’s Youngest Prime Minister: New Cabinet Formation Unveiled

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Paetongtarn Shinawatra, newly endorsed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on August 18, has officially become Thailand’s youngest prime minister. The new cabinet’s line-up awaits royal endorsement this coming weekend, bringing a wave of excitement and anticipation across the nation. (Photo: Government House)

The newly formed coalition between the former opposition Democrat Party and the ruling Pheu Thai Party is set to boast a stronghold of 322 MPs within parliament. Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who stepped into the role after Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal by the Constitutional Court, emphasized the meticulous vetting process Pheu Thai is conducting to ensure each minister is aptly suited for their role.

“Pheu Thai is trying to ensure each cabinet minister is a good fit,” Phumtham stated, embodying the careful deliberation behind every decision. “The cabinet line-up is almost finalised. After it is royally endorsed, it will get straight to work.”

Prommin Lertsuridej, the Prime Minister’s secretary-general, confirmed that the new cabinet majority is set, particularly after the Democrats joined the coalition. With the support of 141 MPs from Pheu Thai, 70 from the Bhumjaithai Party, 36 from the United Thai Nation Party, 25 Democrats, 10 from the Charthaipattana Party, three from Chart Pattana, and 21 from Capt. Thamanat Prompow’s faction within the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the government is well fortified.

Despite the Democrats crossing the political floor to form this alliance, intense opposition echoed from veteran politicians and party stalwarts, including former leaders Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan, and Jurin Laksanawisit. Their staunch resistance to any coalition with Pheu Thai became a talking point, stirring the political pot.

Prominent Democrat executives revealed on Thursday night their party’s plans to nominate leader Chalermchai Sri-on as the natural resources and environment minister and Det-it Khaothong, the secretary-general, as a deputy public health minister.

Meanwhile, the PPRP appears divided into two distinct factions. One led by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and the other by the party’s secretary-general, Capt Thamanat Prompow, who is also the caretaker agriculture minister. Capt Thamanat boldly declared his severance from Gen Prawit, whom he once revered. Still, he maintained that he and his faction would remain within the party unless forced out. In such an event, their MP status would allow for an easy transition to another political group.

The ruling Pheu Thai party’s decision to sideline the PPRP seemingly targeted Gen Prawit’s faction, while keeping doors open for Capt Thamanat’s group. This tactic suggests a strategic attempt to balance alliances while ensuring key individuals remain influential in the cabinet.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed Pheu Thai’s strategic alliance with the Democrats, noting that the inclusion was driven by the need for a stable and effective government majority in parliament. “We need a stable government. We need enough support in parliament to push for the passage of laws to address people’s problems. The Democrats’ backing will help us achieve that,” she stated.

She acknowledged the grief and potential dissent from red-shirt supporters, given the Democrats’ contentious history with Pheu Thai. “I have empathy with the red shirts. But I promised to be a prime minister who serves all Thais,” Paetongtarn asserted.

Reflecting on the turbulent political history, one cannot forget the 2010 conflict when then-Democrat Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordered police action to reclaim Ratchaprasong intersection. Pheu Thai-backed red-shirt protesters clashed with law enforcement resulting in 85 tragic deaths. Paetongtarn’s leadership, amidst such historical tensions, pledges a future-focused commitment to unity and progress.

As the nation watches closely, the new cabinet’s formation signals not just a political shift but a transformative chapter in Thailand’s leadership narrative.

29 Comments

  1. Larry D August 31, 2024

    Paetongtarn becoming the youngest PM is a huge milestone for Thailand! But let’s not forget that being young doesn’t necessarily mean being experienced.

    • grower134 August 31, 2024

      Yeah, but sometimes fresh blood is what we need to shake things up! Experience can also mean being stuck in old ways.

      • Larry D August 31, 2024

        True, but there’s a lot at stake here. A lack of experience could lead to grave mistakes.

    • Somchai2021 August 31, 2024

      Paetongtarn has been groomed for this role for years. Politics in Thailand isn’t exactly a meritocracy anyway.

      • Larry D August 31, 2024

        Groomed doesn’t mean she knows what she’s doing in the real political battlefield. We’ll see how long grooming lasts when it’s crunch time.

  2. Lisa B. August 31, 2024

    I’m skeptical about the coalition with the Democrats given their history. Can they really work together for the good of the nation?

    • Ploy J. August 31, 2024

      It’s politics, everyone is in it for themselves. They’ll work together as long as it benefits them individually.

    • chang_no1 August 31, 2024

      Agreed, Lisa. The Democrats and Pheu Thai have too much bad blood. This coalition is bound to fall apart sooner or later.

      • Lisa B. August 31, 2024

        Absolutely, Chang. It’s like mixing oil and water. Dysfunction in parliament is the last thing we need right now.

  3. Thida L. August 31, 2024

    Capt Thamanat breaking away from Gen Prawit might be a blessing in disguise for the PPRP. It’s high time they cleaned house.

    • Prem August 31, 2024

      You’re right, Thida. Gen Prawit’s influence has been waning. Fresh leadership could bring new momentum.

    • gogetter87 August 31, 2024

      But we should be careful what we wish for. Divisions in PPRP could weaken their standing entirely.

      • Thida L. August 31, 2024

        Valid point, gogetter87. A fractured party could be preyed upon by rivals. They need to tread wisely.

  4. Arthit August 31, 2024

    A stable government is crucial, but how can we trust the Democrats given their betrayal in the past? Just look at what happened in 2010.

    • Ratana August 31, 2024

      Right! It’s hard to forget the red-shirt massacre. The Democrats have blood on their hands.

      • Arthit August 31, 2024

        Exactly, Ratana. Aligning with them sends a really mixed message to Thai people.

    • Chayut P. August 31, 2024

      Remembering history is important, but should it hinder progress? If they can collaborate effectively now, it might just work.

  5. Ajarn Lek August 31, 2024

    Given the current political climate, I wonder if this new cabinet will last. Coalitions can be fragile.

  6. Nok S. August 31, 2024

    It feels like Pheu Thai is just trying to cling to power by any means necessary, even if it means alliances with enemies.

    • student88 August 31, 2024

      You’re harsh, Nok. Maybe they’re doing what’s necessary for stability. We need laws passed, and this coalition might get it done.

  7. Jimmy T. August 31, 2024

    I’m excited to see how Paetongtarn’s leadership style will be different from past PMs. Could she bring a breath of fresh air?

    • kanit_ch August 31, 2024

      As long as she isn’t just a puppet for the Shinawatra family, maybe she could.

  8. Ananda August 31, 2024

    Strategically sidelining PPRP while keeping Capt Thamanat’s group might be smart. It divides and conquers their enemies.

    • Michael August 31, 2024

      It’s just typical dirty politics. You win by making the least enemies.

  9. noi54 August 31, 2024

    It’s interesting to see how historical grievances like the 2010 crackdown still influence current politics. Can we move past it?

    • Thongchai August 31, 2024

      Not without justice. Those responsible need to be held accountable first.

      • noi54 August 31, 2024

        You’re right, Thongchai. Accountability is crucial before we can heal.

  10. Korn August 31, 2024

    A lot of promises are being made. Will they be kept? Politics is mostly talk.

    • yingdao August 31, 2024

      Promises get votes, but accountability keeps them. We need to hold them to their words.

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