Pheu Thai to announce new Cabinet in three weeks

The ruling Pheu Thai Party has announced that the new Cabinet will be introduced within three weeks. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed this yesterday, following parliament’s vote for the new premier.

Newly installed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will have the legal right and duty to make political decisions and hold discussions.

Phumtham emphasised that the allocation of ministerial positions will not adhere to the previous quota system, as the former administration has concluded.

“There won’t be any old quotas. When the previous government ends, it’s up to the new premier to discuss and negotiate with all the party leaders.

“I believe the current situation will encourage everyone to think collectively, and the new prime minister will have to talk with coalition partners to determine what is still appropriate in the current context.”

Phumtham clarified that the ministerial reshuffle is not a complete overhaul. Paetongtarn, as the new premier, will require time to discuss the matter with all coalition partners.

Sorawong Thienthong, secretary-general of Pheu Thai, stated that the timeline to form a new Cabinet should be within three weeks of Paetongtarn receiving royal endorsement. Following this, she can form a new Cabinet and submit the list of names for royal endorsement.

The new leader will then present the government’s policies to the House, as mandated by the constitution, within 15 days of the oath-taking date.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, head of the Bhumjaithai Party, mentioned that his party has already informed the coalition leader that there will be no proposed changes to their current ministerial positions—four ministerial positions and four deputy ministerial positions.

“Everything should remain the same, and the party has proposed its deputy leader Paradorn Prissanananthaku for consideration as first Deputy House Speaker.”

Anutin also pointed out that Paetongtarn has served as Pheu Thai leader throughout the last government and has had opportunities to work with all coalition partners.

Meanwhile, Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, expressed that the TCC will collaborate with the new government to explore ways to implement economic stimulus measures and provide relief to the public, reported Bangkok Post.