BANGKOK (Bernama): Thailand’s newly appointed Cabinet has received royal endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, according to the Royal Gazette published on Tuesday (March 31).
The Royal Gazette announced that the King had endorsed the Cabinet lineup of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who was appointed on March 19.
The endorsement paves the way for the Cabinet to be sworn in before the King, ahead of the delivery of the government’s policy statement to Parliament, after which ministers can formally assume office.
Anutin, who is also the leader of the Bhumjaithai party, said the oath-taking ceremony for the Cabinet is expected to take place on April 6.
"I have been informed by the Secretary-General of the Cabinet that the oath-taking ceremony is expected on April 6, but the final decision rests with the Royal Household Bureau, and the government cannot determine it independently.
"Therefore, official confirmation is still pending. All ministers have been instructed to remain ready at all times for the ceremony,” he told reporters at Government House on Tuesday, adding that a Cabinet meeting would be convened immediately after the ceremony.
Anutin also confirmed that the draft of the government’s policy statement to Parliament has been prepared, with its key contents nearly complete, and about one week remains for further additions or refinements.
Under the 35-member Cabinet, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will retain their positions.
Six Deputy Prime Ministers have been appointed, namely Ekniti, Suphajee, Sihasak, Pakorn Nilprapunt, Songsak Thongsri and Yodchanan Wongsawat from Pheu Thai party, who will also serve as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
The government’s policy statement to Parliament is tentatively scheduled for April 7-9, marking the final step before the administration officially assumes office.
On March 4, The Election Commission officially endorsed 499 parliamentary seats from the February general election.
The Bhumjaithai Party won 192 seats, followed by the People’s Party (120), Pheu Thai Party (74) and Kla Tham Party (58).
The Bhumjaithai-led coalition, which includes the Pheu Thai Party and the support of 13 smaller parties, is expected to command 292 of the 499 seats in Parliament. - Bernama
