Srettha’s election and appointment as head of government ended a political impasse that had lasted for several months in Thailand.
After months of political impasse in Thailand, King Maha Vajiralongkorn confirmed the new government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The monarch approved the inauguration of Srettha and her 34 ministers on Saturday, the royal daily said. In addition to the role of Prime Minister, Srettha will also assume the role of Minister of Finance.
The new deputy head of the government is Anutin Charnvirakul, who was Minister of Health in the previous military-led government. Srettha’s election and appointment as head of government ended a political impasse that had lasted for several months in Thailand. The Pheu Thai Party-led alliance took on the task of forming a government after senators blocked the real winners of May’s parliamentary elections, Pita Limjaroenrat and her progressive MFP party. However, the alliance is controversial because it also includes parties close to the army.
Patcharawat Wongsuwan was appointed as the new Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. He is the brother of former army chief Prawit Wongsuwan, who played a key role in Thailand’s 2014 military coup. Political expert Yuttaporn Issarachai told AFP that some believe “it’s the old cabinet, just with Pheu Thai in it.”
With the king’s appointment of the new cabinet, Thailand is one step closer to a fully functioning government, Yuttaporn said. Sretthas must now “swear an oath of loyalty to the king and explain his policy in parliament.” “Then it is considered fully functional,” added the expert. (APA/AFP)