On September 4, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn officially endorsed the 35-member cabinet proposed by Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The change in cabinet follows the dismissal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on August 14 and a series of significant political developments, including the establishment of the People’s Party after the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, as well as shifts within Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai-led coalition government. To view the Council’s previous update on Thailand political developments, please click here.
The formation of the new cabinet reflects a significant realignment within the coalition. The Democrat Party, formerly a rival and currently led by Chalemchai Sri-On, has joined the coalition, while the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), under General Prawit Wongsuwan, has exited the coalition government.
New Cabinet Members
The new cabinet consists of 35 members, including key figures from the Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partners as follows:
- Prime Minister: Paetongtarn Shinawatra
- [NEW] Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence: Phumtham Wechayachai
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport: Suriya Juangroongruangkit
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior: Anutin Charnveerakul
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy: Pirapan Salirathavibhaga
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance: Pichai Chunhavajira
- [NEW] Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society: Prasert Chanthararuangthong
- [NEW] Prime Minister’s Office Minister: Chousak Sirinil
- Prime Minister’s Office Minister: Jiraporn Sindhuprai
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: Maris Sangiampongsa
- [NEW] Minister of Tourism and Sports: Sorawong Thienthong
- Minister of Social Development and Human Security: Varawut Silpa-archa
- Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation: Supamas Isarabhakdi
- [NEW] Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives: Narumon Pinyosinwat
- [NEW] Minister of Natural Resources and Environment: Chalermchai Sri-On
- [NEW] Minister of Commerce: Pichai Naripthaphan
- Minister of Justice: Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong
- Minister of Labour: Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn
- Minister of Culture: Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol
- Minister of Public Health: Somsak Thepsuthin
- Minister of Education: Police General Permpoon Chidchob
- [NEW] Minister of Industry: Akanat Promphan
The official announcement of the new cabinet can be found on the Royal Thai Gazette here (Thai language).
Government Policies
According to government’s chief whip, Wisut Chainarun, the new cabinet is expected to deliver its policy proposals to parliament as early as next week. However, in her first press conference following her appointment, Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated that she will continue the major economic stimulus measures initiated by her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin.
The Council will circulate an update after the presentation of the policy statement.
