Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok
Bloomberg News reported on September 2 that King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has just approved cabinet positions proposed by new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, including Mr. Srettha concurrently holding the position of finance minister to revive the economy .
The 34-member cabinet includes Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Industry Minister Pimpatra Wichaikul. Ministers Phumtham and Pirapan also hold the positions of deputy prime ministers.
Mr Srettha is the first Thai prime minister in more than four decades to also serve as finance minister. The 61-year-old former businessman and key ministers face the task of reviving the economy amid rising interest rates and falling exports.
Meanwhile, household debt has risen to near record levels, while farmers and small and medium-sized businesses are still struggling to cope with the lingering effects of the pandemic.
"He is qualified as a finance minister with extensive experience in business," said Titipol Phakdeewanich, an expert at Ubon Ratchathani University in Thailand.
Mr Srettha was elected prime minister of Thailand last week, ending months of political deadlock. His Pheu Thai party leads an 11-party coalition, forcing him to divide key cabinet posts among the groups.
The energy and industry ministers belong to the United Thai Party, while Pheu Thai holds the commerce and foreign affairs ministers.
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, the second largest party in the coalition, will serve as home minister. Anutin and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara will also serve as deputy prime ministers.
Former Thai Prime Minister's prison sentence commuted
The new cabinet members will be sworn in before the king at 5 p.m. on September 5, Prime Minister Srettha said. He said he would present the government's policies to parliament on September 8 or September 11. His first overseas trip in his new position will begin on September 18, when he will attend a United Nations conference.
Source link
Comment (0)