Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said today that he expects the complete cabinet list to be ready by September 15th, plus or minus three days.
He revealed that the National Anti-Corruption Commission had returned a list of some prospective ministers, who may have qualification problem, to the secretary-general of the cabinet. He said that the list will be vetted by the Council of State, the government’s legal counsel, to ensure that they comply with the law.
He said he honestly wants the cabinet list to be completed as soon as possible, so it can be submitted for Royal assent and, once granted, the new government can start functioning.
The Pheu Thai party claims to have thoroughly vetted all prospective ministers, to ensure that there will be no repeat of the incident which saw former prime minister Srettha Thavisin removed from office after appointing Phichit Chuenban, who had served time in prison, as minister to the prime minister’s office.
Regarding the controversial “digital wallet” scheme, Phumtham said that it will be incorporated in the policy statement to be presented to parliament by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
