The new cabinet is gearing up for a crucial special meeting this Saturday, aimed at crafting a comprehensive policy statement. This follows the official swearing-in of all 35 cabinet ministers on Friday. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra led the ministers to take their oaths before His Majesty the King at the majestic Ambara Villa in the Dusit Palace.
Ms. Paetongtarn is set to unveil the new government’s policy in front of parliament on September 12-13. Her official duties will commence on September 16, with the first cabinet meeting slated for September 17. The government must present its policy statement to parliament as a prerequisite for beginning its work.
Ms. Paetongtarn has been open to including policy suggestions from other coalition parties in the policy statement, aspiring to complete it by the end of the week. Front and center is the Pheu Thai Party’s notable digital wallet handout scheme, anticipated to be implemented before the conclusion of the 2024 fiscal year on September 30, according to government insiders.
A supplementary bill aimed at increasing the budget for the ongoing fiscal year by 122 billion baht to partially finance the scheme has already cleared parliamentary approval. Nevertheless, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat previously acknowledged that the handout program requires some fine-tuning, including the possibility of providing cash instead of digital currency to certain recipients.
In addition to this, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for its citizens, boost agricultural product prices, and launch a stringent crackdown on drug-related issues.
On the horizon, the government has ambitious long-term projects lined up, such as building entertainment complexes with integrated casinos and initiating a water management project to combat ongoing flooding and drought challenges.
Last month, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, reputedly the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, underscored the necessity for the new government to undertake several “megaprojects” during its tenure, including the entertainment complex. He echoed the urgency of addressing Thailand’s chronic flooding and drought woes.
While some critics deem his remarks as a condensed version of the forthcoming policy statement, political issues like charter amendments and proposals to include lese majeste in the list of offenses eligible for a political amnesty bill will take a back seat. The primary focus will be addressing pressing economic challenges, sources confirmed.
According to insiders, Justice Minister and leader of the Prachachat Party, Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, has already put forth the party’s policy proposals for incorporation into the government’s statement. These include resolving unrest in the deep South through fostering peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society, enhancing local education, promoting peace negotiations with local participation, and improving the quality of life for residents.
Ms. Paetongtarn has efficiently divided responsibilities among her six deputy prime ministers. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will supervise the Royal Thai Police and the Department of Special Investigation. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will oversee the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Culture Ministry, and the Public Health Ministry. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will be in charge of the Commerce Ministry, the Budget Bureau, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry.
I can’t believe they’re pushing for digital wallets before the end of the fiscal year. It’s too rushed!
Totally agree. Plus, who even uses digital currency in rural areas? Cash would be so much more practical.
Actually, with better internet infrastructure, digital wallets could be the future everywhere.
Maybe, but that infrastructure isn’t here yet. This feels like putting the cart before the horse.
This digital wallet thing is just a gimmick to make them look modern. What about real issues like agriculture prices?
Right! Farmers have been suffering for too long and would benefit more from direct subsidies.
What’s with the entertainment complexes? Isn’t that just encouraging gambling addiction?
Exactly my thought! We should be focusing on education and healthcare instead.
Entertainment complexes could boost tourism and revenue. It’s a calculated risk.
Boosting revenue at the cost of social issues is never a good idea.
Glad they’re taking a hard stance on drugs. It’s about time someone cracked down.
Hard stance, sure, but what about rehabilitation and preventive measures?
Rehab is essential too, but initial crackdowns get quick results.
Are they seriously going to ignore the lese majeste law? That’s just sweeping issues under the rug.
Lese majeste is too sensitive a topic to handle in one go. Baby steps are necessary.
You can’t make progress by avoiding tough issues. It needs to be addressed head-on.
Will improving agricultural prices really help small farmers? Often these policies only benefit large agribusinesses.
Good point. Policies need to be targeted better to actually support small-scale farmers.
Water management projects sound good on paper, but this government has a track record of abandoning such projects midway.
So true. We need more accountability and less empty promises.
Why isn’t there more focus on education? Improving local education should be a primary concern.
Education always takes a back seat. It’s frustrating when it’s clearly the foundation for a better society.
Just another political propaganda. Nothing is going to change.
Don’t be so cynical; give the new leadership a chance. They have ambitious plans.
Why no mention of renewable energy projects? With climate change, this should be prioritized!
I’m skeptical about their ability to handle the deep South unrest. It’s been a problem for too long.
True, but they are laying out a multicultural approach this time. Maybe it will work.
Ms. Paetongtarn taking pointers from Thaksin is controversial. It’s like he’s the shadow PM.
Thaksin’s ideas brought prosperity before. Maybe a bit of his influence isn’t bad.
Maybe, but it undermines democratic leadership if he’s pulling strings behind the scenes.
I’ve seen governments come and go. High hopes, low results. Not expecting much here.
Improving quality of life sounds like an empty promise. What does it even mean practically?
It means better healthcare, education, and basic services. Don’t be so dismissive.
Thailand needs a revolution, not more of the same tired policies.