Cabinet finalising policy list

Ministers obtained a sworn statement in front of His Majesty.

Ready for office: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, centre front, poses with the new cabinet for a group photo at Government House yesterday afternoon before taking the oath of office in the presence of His Majesty the King yesterday evening. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Before taking the oath of office in His Majesty the King’s appearance yesterday evening, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center-right, poses with the new case for a group photograph at Government House. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

After all 35 government ministers were formally sworn into office yesterday, the new government will hold a special meeting now to make a speech outlining the president’s policy stance.

Monday at Ambara Villa in the Dusit Palace, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra led the government officials to administer the oath of office to His Majesty the King.

On September 12 and 13, Ms. Paetongtarn will formally begin her position on September 16 with the first cabinet meeting scheduled for September 17. She will also introduce the new government’s policy speech to parliament on September 12 and 13 and will begin her role on September 1.

Before beginning job, the government must first provide its policy speech to parliament.

Prior to writing the policy statement, Ms. Paetongtarn had stated that she would take another coalition party policy proposals into account. She hoped to complete it by the week’s end.

The Pheu Thai Party’s premier digital wallet handout plan, which is expected to be implemented by September 30th of the 2024 fiscal year, is at the top of the government’s plan, according to state resources.

Parliament has previously approved a secondary bill that would increase the amount of the government’s budget for the current fiscal year by 122 billion ringgit to partially finance the scheme.

But, deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat earlier acknowledged that some consumers ‘ program needed to be given cash instead of online money.

Other plans include improving people’s quality of life, increasing the costs of agricultural produce, and cracking down on medication.

As for long-term policies, they include the development of casino-themed leisure complexes as well as a water managing project to fight frequent flooding and drought.

Last month, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, commonly believed to be Pheu Thai’s de facto leader, told a local community the new state needed to undertake a variety of “megaprojects” during its name, including the pleasure complex.

During the forum, Thaksin emphasised the need to address the country’s chronic flooding and drought problems.

Some claimed that his speech was just a condensed version of the government’s policy statement to be presented in parliament.

The new government will put its focus on addressing economic woes, according to the sources, but policies that deal with political issues, such as changing the charter and any attempts to put lese majeste on the list of crimes that would be pardoned under a political amnesty bill, will take priority.

Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, the party’s leader and justice minister, allegedly submitted the party’s policy proposal for inclusion in the statement yesterday.

They include addressing unrest in the deep south by promoting peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society, increasing local residents ‘ access to education, encouraging peace negotiations with local residents ‘ participation, and raising people’s quality of life.

According to the sources, Ms. Paetongtarn has already divided the duties between six deputy prime ministers.

The Department of Special Investigation, as well as the Royal Thai Police, will be under the control of Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, while the Culture Ministry, Tourism and Sports Ministry, and Public Health Ministry will be under the control of Transport Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

The Commerce Ministry, Budget Bureau, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry will be under the control of Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.