Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that a new cabinet line-up will be submitted on Monday to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for formal approval, marking the next step in forming a Bhumjaithai-led government. The proposed Anutin II cabinet consists of 36 ministers and is expected to shape the country’s political direction following last month’s general election. Get today's headlines by email The coalition is dominated by the Bhumjaithai Party, with 28 ministerial positions, while eight seats are allocated to the Pheu Thai Party. The arrangement reflects the influence of key political figures, including Newin Chidchob, described as the de facto leader of Bhumjaithai, and Thaksin Shinawatra, who continues to guide Pheu Thai from outside government. Under the proposed structure, Bhumjaithai will control major portfolios such as interior, defence, transport, public health and energy. Pheu Thai is expected to oversee agriculture and cooperatives, education, higher education, labour, and social development. Several key appointments are anticipated, including Pipat Ratchakitprakarn for transport, Pattana Prompat for public health, and Ekanat Prompan for energy. Adul Boonthamcharoen is likely to become defence minister, while Ruthapol Naovarat and Surasak Pancharoenworakul are tipped for justice and tourism and sports respectively. Anutin is expected to concurrently serve as interior minister, supported by three deputies. Technocrats including Ekniti Nitithanprapart, Supajee Suthumpun and Sihasak Puangketkaew are set to take on dual roles as deputy prime ministers alongside finance, commerce and foreign affairs portfolios. Pakorn Nilprapan and Songsak Thongsri are also expected to hold deputy prime minister roles with assigned responsibilities. From the Pheu Thai side, Yodchanan Wongsawat is expected to serve as deputy prime minister and higher education minister, while Suriya Juangroongruangkit is likely to take agriculture and Julapun Amornvivat education. Pheu Thai holds 74 MPs, making it the second-largest coalition partner behind Bhumjaithai’s 192 MPs within the ruling bloc. The coalition commands support from 291 MPs in the 500-seat parliament, compared to 209 in opposition, including the People’s Party with 119 MPs, the Democrats with 21, and the Klatham Party led by Thammanat Prompao, which was excluded despite holding 58 seats. The ThaiNewsRoom reported that following royal endorsement, the cabinet will attend an oath-taking ceremony before the monarch. Anutin is then expected to present the government’s policy statement to parliament in the coming weeks, after which the new administration will formally begin its work. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 29 Mar 2026
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