Appointment of High-Profile Outsiders for Crucial Government Departments by Anutin
New Thai Cabinet Tackles Economic Challenges and Political Unrest
Thai Prime Minister-elect Anutin Charnvirakul has named key ministers for his new cabinet, tasked with navigating economic challenges and political unrest in the Southeast Asian nation.
The new finance minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, will be facing a daunting task as he takes the helm. The economy is forecast to expand by just 2% this year, a significant drop from the pace of growth expected for regional peers like Indonesia and the Philippines. The challenges include a sputtering economy, impacted by US President Donald Trump's trade war, a downturn in the tourism sector, and the highest household indebtedness in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Anutin hinted at the possibility of reintroducing the co-payment programme to stimulate consumption. The programme, which was scrapped in 2018, offered cash handouts to low-income families to boost spending.
In the energy sector, Auttapol Rerkpiboon, who retired as chief executive of the majority state-owned energy firm PTT Plc, will head the Ministry of Energy.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, a veteran diplomat and former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be named foreign minister.
The cabinet picks were made a day after Anutin was elected premier in the House of Representatives. Mr. Anutin urged unity, stating that all sides must work together to advance the country.
The political crisis in Thailand was triggered in June by Anutin's withdrawal from the Pheu Thai-led coalition. The election of Anutin as premier was a humiliation for the Pheu Thai Party, a prominent political group in Thailand.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a significant figure in the Pheu Thai Party, left Thailand late Thursday for Dubai, where he spent the bulk of his 15 years in self-imposed exile. The court-ordered dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, occurred last week.
The new government was formed on promises to hold a referendum on amending the constitution and call an election within four months. Mr. Anutin, a conservative with cross-party influence, won power by forming a pact with the opposition People's Party, the largest in parliament.
The appointment of the finance minister in the new cabinet is yet to be specified. The new government will strictly enforce the law, according to Mr. Anutin. The challenges ahead are significant, but with unity and a clear vision, the new Thai government aims to steer the nation towards a brighter future.
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