Thailand’s king approves a new Cabinet more than 3 months after elections

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Following a span of over three months since the general election, Thailand’s monarch has officially granted approval to the newly appointed members of the Cabinet. This development clears the path for the incoming government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, to commence its duties.

Srettha Thavisin, representing the Pheu Thai party, was designated as the prime minister by the Parliament on August 22nd. Transitioning from his prior role as a notable real estate developer to a political leader last year, he will also take on the responsibility of the finance minister within the government.

The royal consent from King Maha Vajiralongkorn was issued on Friday, solidifying the legitimacy of the new Cabinet.

The delay in establishing the new government ensued due to the Parliament’s inability to ratify a coalition formed by the Move Forward party, which had secured the most seats in the May elections. Despite emerging as the top contender, the Move Forward party faced challenges in attaining majority support from the combined votes of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This was attributed to their progressive platform, which alienated conservative Senate members, specifically due to their stance on minor reforms to the monarchy.

Subsequently, the Pheu Thai Party, which secured the second position in the election, forged a broader coalition that excluded the Move Forward party. This strategy enabled them to garner support from the Senate. However, this success was achieved by incorporating pro-military factions from the previous government into their coalition, thereby deviating from a campaign pledge.

The Pheu Thai Party is endorsed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a military coup back in 2006. Thaksin, a wealthy populist, sought refuge abroad in 2008 to evade charges he believed were politically motivated. However, he returned to Thailand on August 22nd to serve an eight-year prison term. Notably, it was announced on Friday that the king has commuted his sentence to one year.

Within the new Cabinet, six members have assumed significant roles as deputy prime ministers. Among them, three are affiliated with the Pheu Thai party, serving as colleagues to Prime Minister Srettha. Furthermore, three deputy prime ministers have been entrusted with key secondary portfolios.

Designated by the Pheu Thai party, Phumtham Wechayachai and Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara have taken on the roles of ministers of commerce and foreign affairs, respectively. Anutin Charnvirakul, hailing from the Bhumjaithai Party, which commands the third-largest number of seats in the lower house, has been named the interior minister.

Anutin Charnvirakul previously held the position of public health minister in the preceding military-backed government led by Prayuth Chan-ocha. He is most prominently known for spearheading the effort to decriminalize cannabis.

The newly appointed agriculture minister, Thammanat Prompao, represents the Palang Pracharath Party and formerly served as the deputy agriculture minister in the preceding government. He is a significant political figure in northern Thailand and has a historical connection to a 1994 conviction and imprisonment in Australia related to heroin smuggling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about government formation

More about government formation

• Thailand’s Political Landscape: Explained
• Profile of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin
• King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Role in Thai Politics
• Pheu Thai Party’s Political Stance
• Thaksin Shinawatra’s Return and Sentence
• Anutin Charnvirakul’s Contributions
• Thammanat Prompao’s Background