In a ceremony filled with reverence and solemnity, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra paid her respects to a portrait of His Majesty the King as she officially received royal endorsement as Thailand’s 31st prime minister. This momentous occasion took place at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok, on August 18. (Photo: Government House)
His Majesty the King has given his approval to the 35-member cabinet proposed by the newly appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The eagerly anticipated lineup was officially published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in Thailand’s political landscape.
The notable shift includes Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stepping into the defense minister role while handing over the commerce ministry to Pheu Thai adviser and former energy minister, Pichai Naripthaphan. This reshuffle indicates a strategic realignment within the government, aiming to bolster both domestic and international pursuits.
Out of the 35 cabinet positions, the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party holds 17 slots, with ministers and deputy ministers playing key roles. The remaining 19 positions are allocated to coalition partners, promising a diverse and comprehensive governance approach.
According to the Royal Gazette announcement, the cabinet members and their respective designations are as follows:
- Phumtham Wechayachai: Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister
- Suriya Juangroongruangkit: Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister
- Anutin Charnvirakul: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister
- Pirapan Salirathavibhaga: Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister
- Pichai Chunhavajira: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister
- Prasert Jantararuangtong: Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister
- Chousak Sirinil: Prime Minister’s Office Minister
- Jiraporn Sindhuprai: Prime Minister’s Office Minister
- Gen Natthapon Nakpanich: Deputy Defense Minister
- Julapun Amornvivat: Deputy Finance Minister
- Paopoom Rojanasakul: Deputy Finance Minister
- Maris Sangiampongsa: Foreign Affairs Minister
- Sorawong Thienthong: Tourism and Sports Minister
- Varawut Silpa-archa: Social Development and Human Security Minister
- Supamas Isarabhakdi: Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Minister
- Narumon Pinyosinwat: Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister
- Itthi Sirilathayakorn: Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister
- Akara Prompao: Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister
- Manaporn Charoensri: Deputy Transport Minister
- Surapong Piyachote: Deputy Transport Minister
- Chalermchai Sri-on: Natural Resources and Environment Minister
- Pichai Naripthaphan: Commerce Minister
- Napintorn Srisanpang: Deputy Commerce Minister
- Suchart Chomklin: Deputy Commerce Minister
- Songsak Thongsri: Deputy Interior Minister
- Sabeeda Thaised: Deputy Interior Minister
- Theerarat Samrejvanich: Deputy Interior Minister
- Pol Col Tawee Sodsong: Justice Minister
- Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn: Labour Minister
- Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol: Culture Minister
- Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob: Education Minister
- Surasak Phancharoenworakul: Deputy Education Minister
- Somsak Thepsutin: Public Health Minister
- Dech-it Khaothong: Deputy Public Health Minister
- Akanat Prompan: Industry Minister
This diverse and capable team is set to embark on a journey to drive Thailand towards progress, stability, and prosperity. With a fusion of experience and innovation, they are poised to tackle the nation’s challenges and achieve common goals.
I’m nervous about having Phumtham Wechayachai as both Deputy PM and Defense Minister. Isn’t that too much power for one person?
Totally agree! Concentrating so much influence is dangerous. We’ve seen too much of this in other countries.
But if he’s competent, why not let him handle it? It’s about getting things done.
Competence aside, any one individual having such sway is risky. Checks and balances exist for a reason.
Phumtham might be a strategic choice given the current regional tensions. We need someone decisive.
I have mixed feelings about Suriya Juangroongruangkit handling both Transport and being Deputy PM. Can he actually juggle both roles effectively?
It’s not ideal, but he has experience. We need results, not just titles.
Transport infrastructure is critical. Let’s hope Suriya has a good team to support him.
Having a good team can make or break his success. Fingers crossed!
I find it commendable that women are holding significant positions, like Jiraporn Sindhuprai as Prime Minister’s Office Minister.
True, but if they’re just token appointments, it doesn’t mean much.
Token or not, visibility can inspire future generations. Give them a chance!
Representation is one step, but how they perform in those roles is what really matters.
Why is Narumon Pinyosinwat in charge of Agriculture and Cooperatives? She has no background in that area!
Not every minister has to be an expert in their assigned field. Leadership skills can transcend specific industry knowledge.
Still, it would be better to have someone with some experience. Agriculture is no joke in Thailand.
Exactly! Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. We need experts.
Anutin Charnvirakul as Interior Minister makes sense. His earlier role in cannabis legalization shows he’s not afraid to shake things up.
But is he really the right fit for Interior? It’s a vastly different role.
He’s versatile. Sometimes a fresh perspective is what’s needed.
His bold moves might be just what we need to tackle deep-rooted issues.
Pichai Naripthaphan as Commerce Minister makes me hopeful. His tenure in energy was effective.
Yes but commerce has different challenges. It’s a whole new ball game.
If he can leverage his experience and innovate, our commerce sector could flourish.
Finally seeing some new faces in the cabinet is refreshing. It was time for a change.
Change for change’s sake isn’t always good. Let’s hope they’re competent.
Competence can sometimes surprise you. New faces might bring in new successful strategies.
I don’t trust any of them. Politics in Thailand is a mess, regardless of who’s in charge.
Having such a diverse team should cater to more inclusive governance. We need unity more than ever.