BANGKOK, Sept 24 — Thailand’s new government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was sworn in today.
The 59-year-old led his 36-member Cabinet in taking the oath of allegiance before King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Anutin chaired a special Cabinet meeting at Government House. The agenda included approval of the draft policy statement to be presented to Parliament, as well as the allocation of portfolios to the Deputy Prime Ministers and ministers attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
He is scheduled to deliver his government’s policy statement in Parliament next week, marking the official start of his administration.
The Bhumjaithai Party leader has pledged to dissolve the Lower House of Parliament within four months under a deal with the opposition People’s Party, which backed his bid for premiership without joining his coalition.
On September 5, Anutin was elected as Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister after securing a parliamentary majority.
His six Deputy Prime Ministers include Sophon Zaram, Borwornsak Uwanno, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin. Anutin has also taken on the Interior Ministry portfolio.
On Friday (September 19), the King endorsed the new Cabinet under Anutin’s leadership.
