Thailand's new cabinet takes oath of office and begins a four month term in power

Anutin, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, swore allegiance to King Vajiralongkorn at the Royal Palace in Bangkok at 6pm local time on Wednesday (September 24th) along with 35 cabinet ministers. Anutin was sworn in as the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand on September 7th. Image source: Thai government website

Anutin said in a media interview after the cabinet oath taking ceremony that all cabinet members have received the king's blessings and earnest teachings, and will do their utmost to serve the country and the people in the future. He said, "For an ordinary person like me, it is a great honor to receive such a gift. I will uphold the king's decree and work wholeheartedly for the welfare of the country and the people

He presided over the first special cabinet meeting that evening, which reportedly included explaining the responsibilities and division of labor of the six deputy prime ministers and various departments, as well as discussing and passing the draft policy statement to be submitted to parliament next week. According to Thai media reports, Anutin's first policy statement focuses on four key areas: economy, border and national security, and social and natural disasters.

The inauguration of the cabinet marks the formal completion of the formation process of the Anutin government. Previously, the former Prime Minister of the Thai Rakyat Party, Pha Tun Tan, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for violating ethical regulations due to the leaked recording of a phone call between him and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen regarding the border conflict.

The Thai Pride Party led by Anutin and the opposition largest party in parliament, the People's Party, subsequently reached an agreement to form a minority government, while the Thai Party became the opposition party.

Thailand may hold elections in February next year

According to the agreement with the People's Party, Anutin has promised to dissolve the lower house of parliament within four months after issuing a policy statement, which means Thailand is likely to hold elections in February next year.

Anutin has stated that he will prioritize short-term economic stimulus measures to boost consumption, reduce living expenses, help people trapped in debt, and take measures to cope with the export and tourism pressures brought about by the appreciation of the Thai baht. These policies aim to win more support for him and the Thai Pride Party before the next election.

The political situation in Thailand has been fluctuating in recent years, with policy directions wavering. Anutin's appointment of technocrats to oversee key economic sectors will help boost investor confidence.