New Cabinet line-up to be finalised by weekend

The new Cabinet line-up is expected to be finalised by the end of the week, according to Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The government plans to immediately address national issues following the announcement of its policy statement in parliament next month.

Phumtham, who stepped in as acting prime minister after Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal by the Constitutional Court, confirmed that the Pheu Thai Party is working diligently to prepare the Cabinet line-up. This readiness is crucial for the government to start addressing pressing issues facing the country.

Once the line-up is finalised, it will be submitted to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement. Following approval, the new ministers will take an oath of office before His Majesty the King. Phumtham anticipates that the policy statement will be discussed and announced in the second week of September.

Phumtham noted that the number of candidates proposed by coalition allies surpasses the 35 available Cabinet posts, as stipulated by the constitution.

“This is because each party is preparing for the possibility of one or more of their candidates being declared ineligible to assume a Cabinet post.”

The Constitutional Court has set high ethical standards for Cabinet ministers, particularly after ex-PM Srettha’s dismissal for appointing the former convict Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister.

Remains optimistic

While optimistic about completing the line-up by the end of the week, Phumtham declined to comment on reports suggesting the Democrat Party, a long-standing rival of Pheu Thai, might join the new coalition government.

“I cannot comment on the matter. It will become clear once the new ministers are royally endorsed.”

Speculation indicates that the Democrat Party could receive two ministerial positions if they join the coalition. Party leader Chalermchai Sri-on is rumoured to become the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, with secretary-general Det-it Khaothong potentially taking a deputy minister position.

These positions were initially intended for the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), led by Prawit Wongsuwon, who sources say may be excluded from the new Pheu Thai-led administration.

Rumours of the Democrat Party joining the coalition emerged after former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra indicated at the Vision for Thailand forum last Thursday, August 22, that the new government, led by his daughter, would include Democrat members.

Democrat Deputy Secretary-General Chaichana Detdecho attended the forum, marking Thaksin’s first public speaking engagement in Thailand in 17 years.

Deputy Democrat leader Narapat Kaewthong stated yesterday, August 25, that the party had not yet received any invitation to join the Pheu Thai-led government. However, if approached, party executives and MPs will convene to make a decision.

Addressing the rivalry between the Democrats and Pheu Thai, Narapat emphasised that politicians must instead prioritise public interest, reported Bangkok Post.