The newly appointed cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is gearing up for a special meeting on Saturday to outline a policy statement that will set the government’s agenda. With His Majesty the King giving his nod to the 35-member cabinet, the official roster of ministers was published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday. Ms. Paetongtarn and her cabinet are slated to take the oath of office at the elegant Ambara Villa in Dusit Palace at 5 PM this Friday.
In compliance with protocol, the government needs to present its policy statement to the parliament before taking any concrete steps. Ms. Paetongtarn is poised to deliver this crucial statement on September 11, marking the beginning of her official tenure on September 16. The first official cabinet meeting is scheduled for September 17, right before the Pheu Thai Party’s much-anticipated digital wallet handout kicks off, aimed at boosting the economy before the 2024 fiscal year’s end on September 30.
However, there’s a twist in the tale. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat disclosed on Wednesday that there will be some changes to the programme. Initially, the scheme won’t be entirely digital; many needier recipients in the first phase are likely to receive cash instead. A supplementary bill proposing an increase in the budget by 122 billion baht to partially fund this initiative has already made its way through parliament.
A government insider revealed that the forthcoming policy statement would be a refined version of the one issued by the former prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, with five or six issues flagged as urgent. “The digital wallet policy will be included, but it is likely to undergo some revisions,” the source disclosed.
Ms. Paetongtarn ascended to the role of prime minister on August 16, succeeding Mr. Srettha, who was ousted by the Constitutional Court for a “gross ethics violation” concerning his appointment of Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office minister.
The Paetongtarn cabinet now boasts the support of 322 MPs in the House, having welcomed long-time rival, the Democrat Party, into its fold, while showing the door to a faction in the Palang Pracharath Party led by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon. Pheu Thai, the coalition’s core party, dominates with 17 cabinet positions, including ministers and deputy ministers, while the remaining 19 portfolios are shared among coalition partners.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who’s stepping into the defence portfolio, mentioned that the Saturday meeting aims to allow coalition parties to discuss and fine-tune government policy before presenting it to parliament. “Coalition partners have been working together for over a year, and disagreements will be ironed out to find a harmonious standpoint,” he stated.
Mr. Phumtham clarified that the policy statement will act as a general framework and won’t delve into specifics. “There’s almost nothing new. Although it’s a new cabinet, the framework remains consistent. Some details could be adjusted due to evolving situations,” he said. He also praised Ms. Paetongtarn for her quick grasp of key issues and her prowess as a public speaker, negating any need for coaching ahead of parliamentary sessions.
Amid the flurry of political maneuvers, Mr. Phumtham asked critics not to jump to conclusions about the so-called “family cabinet.” This term came into vogue after former ministers, possibly jittery due to the Srettha ruling, stepped aside for family members to take their places. Chada Thaised, a notable figure from Uthai Thani, stepped down to allow his daughter to become deputy interior minister.
Thamanat Prompow, plagued by a past heroin trafficking conviction from Australia, is another case in point. While Thailand’s legal system did not disqualify him, the new ethics framework might, prompting him to hand over his deputy agriculture minister’s role to his brother.
Mr. Phumtham reiterated that ministerial selections were based on merit rather than familial connections. On another front, Akanat Promphan, the secretary-general of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party set to take up the industry portfolio, brushed off criticism for supposedly betraying his past efforts against Yingluck Shinawatra by joining the cabinet. Akanat, the stepson of long-time Democrat influencer Suthep Thaugsuban, was a key figure in the now-defunct People’s Democratic Reform Committee, which advocated for Yingluck’s ouster, ultimately paving the way for the 2014 military coup.
“Deciding wasn’t easy, but I assure you this is the best choice at this moment,” Akanat asserted. “Threats and challenges facing our nation have evolved, and it’s time to unite,” he added with a resolute tone.
I don’t trust Paetongtarn at all. Her family has a long history of corruption and nepotism.
Every politician has some dirt. Let’s give her a chance. Maybe she can bring the change we need.
Yeah, but the Shinawatras have too much baggage. It’s a gamble we’re taking with our country’s future.
Remember, she’s not her father. It’s a new era, and we should be optimistic about it.
Optimism is good, but we have to be realistic. Past actions are usually a strong indicator of future behavior.
Exactly. That’s why I think it’s crucial we keep a close eye on her policies and actions.
Introducing cash for the digital wallet handout might actually work better for the needy. Not everyone has access to digital resources.
I completely agree. This approach will help bridge the gap for those who are financially disadvantaged.
But isn’t that just perpetuating the status quo? We should be pushing for digital literacy.
It’s a balance. Immediate needs versus long-term goals. We shouldn’t rush everyone into digital when they’re not ready.
Did anyone notice how quick Phumtham was to praise Paetongtarn? Seems like typical political bootlicking.
Absolutely! Classic case of saying what the boss wants to hear.
Or maybe she’s actually doing a good job? Not everything’s a conspiracy, guys.
Possibly, but time will tell. It’s just tough to believe when there’s so much at stake.
Bringing the Democrat Party into the fold is a smart political move. It shows willingness to collaborate.
True, but at what cost? We’re mixing oil with water here. It could backfire.
I can’t believe Thamanat Prompow’s past is still haunting him. Shouldn’t we have stricter laws about who can hold office?
Definitely! Allowing ex-convicts in government is a bad look for the country.
Mistakes happen, but redemption is also a part of justice. If he’s genuinely reformed, why not allow him a second chance?
True, but the position is powerful. There’s a difference between reformation and putting them in charge of public policy.
So Pheu Thai is taking 17 positions. Isn’t that a bit much?
Not really, considering they’re the core party. They have the most seats.
But it does raise questions about representation from other coalition partners.
These policies need more specifics. Saying ‘a general framework’ isn’t really helpful.
True, but a general framework provides flexibility. You can adapt to evolving situations.
Flexibility is one thing, avoiding accountability is another. People need to know what they’re getting.
Letting Chada Thaised’s daughter and Thamanat Prompow’s brother take their places just feels like a manipulation of power. Dynasty politics much?
Nepotism at its finest. What a joke.
It’s concerning, but every political system has its flaws. At least they didn’t hand the positions to unqualified strangers.
That’s true, but still, it doesn’t sit right with me.
It’s ironic that Akanat Promphan is joining a cabinet allied with the Shinawatras after his anti-Yingluck activism. Politics really does make strange bedfellows.
It’s a good reminder that politicians can switch sides whenever it suits them. Always follow the money.
Or maybe he genuinely believes it’s the best choice for the country right now?
Pushing the budget by 122 billion baht for a partially digital scheme is risky. What if it doesn’t pay off?
Big risks sometimes lead to big rewards. We have to try something new or we’ll stay stuck.
But can we afford such risks given our current economic situation?
Ms. Paetongtarn’s quick grasp of key issues is impressive. Let’s see how she handles the pressure in parliament.
Let’s hope she doesn’t crumble. The stakes are high.
Coalition parties working together for a year and still needing to ‘iron out disagreements’? Sounds like a fragile alliance.
Coalitions are always tricky. It’s more about managing different interests than complete agreement.
The digital wallet policy being revised is a smart move. We need flexible, adaptive policies.
I’m skeptical about these ‘family cabinet’ appointments. How much merit are we really talking about?
Exactly, it’s nepotism disguised as meritocracy. Not fooling anyone.
Akanat joining the Paetongtarn cabinet feels like a betrayal of what he used to stand for. How can you trust such flip-floppers?
Sometimes you have to align with the current power structure to influence change from within.
Phumtham says no coaching needed for Paetongtarn. Let’s hope he’s right. Actions speak louder than words.