AsiaAsia PacificGeneral NewsThailandThailand governmentThaksin ShinawatraWorld News Thailand’s king approves a new Cabinet more than 3 months after elections by Ryan Lee September 2, 2023 written by Ryan Lee September 2, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 54 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. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about government formationWhat led to the delay in forming Thailand’s new government?Who is Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin?Who endorsed the new Cabinet?What role did the Pheu Thai Party play in forming the new government?Who is Thaksin Shinawatra, and what is his role?Who are some key members of the new Cabinet?What is Anutin Charnvirakul known for?Who is Thammanat Prompao and what is his background?More about government formation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about government formation What led to the delay in forming Thailand’s new government? The delay was caused by the failure of Parliament to endorse the coalition formed by the Move Forward party, which won the most seats in the May elections. The party’s progressive platform, including support for minor reforms to the monarchy, alienated conservative Senate members, leading to their rejection. Who is Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin? Srettha Thavisin, representing the Pheu Thai party, is the newly appointed prime minister of Thailand. He transitioned from a real estate developer to a political leader and will also serve as the finance minister in the government. Who endorsed the new Cabinet? King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand issued his royal approval for the newly appointed Cabinet members, thereby granting the government legitimacy. What role did the Pheu Thai Party play in forming the new government? The Pheu Thai Party, securing the second position in the election, formed a broader coalition after the Move Forward party’s failure to gain majority support. This coalition, however, included pro-military parties from the previous government, despite a campaign promise to the contrary. Who is Thaksin Shinawatra, and what is his role? Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Prime Minister of Thailand, supports the Pheu Thai Party. He was ousted by a military coup in 2006 and returned to Thailand in August 2023 to serve an eight-year prison term, which was later commuted to one year by the king. Who are some key members of the new Cabinet? Phumtham Wechayachai and Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara from the Pheu Thai Party are the ministers of commerce and foreign affairs, respectively. Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party is the interior minister. Thammanat Prompao from the Palang Pracharath Party is the agriculture minister. What is Anutin Charnvirakul known for? Anutin Charnvirakul, formerly the public health minister in the previous government, is known for leading the effort to decriminalize cannabis. Who is Thammanat Prompao and what is his background? Thammanat Prompao, from the Palang Pracharath Party, is the new agriculture minister. He served as the deputy agriculture minister in the last government and has a historical connection to a 1994 conviction and imprisonment in Australia related to heroin smuggling. 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 You Might Be Interested In Canadian Wildfires Impact Air Quality in Chicago and US Regions Judge’s Abortion Pill Challenge Hearing: What to Expect in Texas Anticipation Grows as Emma Hayes Poised to Lead US Women’s Soccer, According to AP Insider What We Know So Far: Could Leaked Documents Have an Origin in a Chatroom for Gamers? 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