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.

 

by Ryan Turner

Image: Varuth Hirunyatheb/Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-26

 

 

Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Yep, she will take care of that. Just waiting for papa to prepare the documents, lists and speak.

Hard to believe.....but Thamanat's name is being bandied about again.....please god....no!!!

Thailand, unbelievable. an ex criminal Pm resurrected from deaths door now running the country again, it's a one in a lifetime miracle, maybe there could be a sainthood coming from it. 

Can not see the point of appointing a cabinet,    A petition has been filed with the Election Commission (EC) seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, alleging that it is allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

1 minute ago, MikeandDow said:

Can not see the point of appointing a cabinet,    A petition has been filed with the Election Commission (EC) seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, alleging that it is allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

 

 

Excellent news.....the only sensible way forward is a new election.......!!

2 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Can not see the point of appointing a cabinet,    A petition has been filed with the Election Commission (EC) seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, alleging that it is allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

 

 

She might end up beating Liz (the lettuce) Truss for the least days in office as a PM

10 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

She might end up beating Liz (the lettuce) Truss for the least days in office as a PM

 

I'm afraid any decision will be made after the lese majeste case he faces, and that is Augst 2025

1 hour ago, Will B Good said:

Hard to believe.....but Thamanat's name is being bandied about again.....please god....no!!!

It's him or Prawit in the power game, and Thaksin hates Prawit

1 hour ago, webfact said:

“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.”

not one or more.... but all of them corrupted to the bone should NOT be eligible for any type of government/cabinet post, if she wants to do democratic as she claimed, start with new people for any cabinet, the old ones haven't been good for anything besides filling up their pockets

1 hour ago, Artisi said:

Thailand, unbelievable. an ex criminal Pm resurrected from deaths door now running the country again, it's a one in a lifetime miracle, maybe there could be a sainthood coming from it. 

4 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

Can not see the point of appointing a cabinet,    A petition has been filed with the Election Commission (EC) seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, alleging that it is allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party.

Well, he is the "owner" of it so it follows he should be running it, plus filing a petition is very unlikely to fly as it seems he who must be obeyed is happy with the current situation. 

But hopefully I'm wrong. 

9 hours ago, Artisi said:

Thailand, unbelievable. an ex criminal Pm resurrected from deaths door now running the country again, it's a one in a lifetime miracle, maybe there could be a sainthood coming from it. 

What unbelievable? Isn’t the same thing happening in the US?

6 hours ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

What unbelievable? Isn’t the same thing happening in the US?

No.