Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul unveiled another outsider joining his Cabinet today. Vorapak Tanyawong, former CEO of the state-run Krung Thai Bank and chief advisor to former finance minister Pichai Chunhavajira, is to be the deputy finance minister.
People’s party MP Chonthicha Jaengrew was sentenced today to two years and eight months in prison after she was found guilty of committing lèse majesté by the Criminal Court.
The Pheu Thai Party today withdrew its petition to the Constitutional Court challenging the legitimacy of the agreement between the Bhumjaithai and People’s parties, under which the People’s Party pledged support for Anutin as prime minister.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s private Bombardier Global 7500 jet, tail number T7-GTS, landed at Seletar private airport in Singapore this morning, but it is known whether Thaksin was on board, according to well-informed sources.
Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath party, claimed today that he did not seek any position in Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration in return for his party’s support of Anutin’s nomination as prime minister last week.
Newly-appointed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared this morning that bringing down the cost of living, settling the border conflict with Cambodia, cracking down on drug trafficking and dealing with natural disasters will be among his incoming administration’s top priorities.
PM-designate Anutin Charnvirakul today insisted that his Cabinet lineup will not be unattractive, and will be composed of professionals ready to work immediately, chosen for their experience and dedication.
Bhumjaithai party Leader Anutin Charnvirakul took the oath of allegiance before a portrait of His Majesty King at the party’s head office at about noon today, after a Royal Command, appointing him Thailand’s 32nd prime minister, was hand-delivered to him by Arpath Sakanan, the secretary-general of the House.
A group of Pheu Thai party MPs has formally asked House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha to seek a Constitutional Court ruling on the parliamentary status of Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, the current prime minister, and People’s party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.
Veteran diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow has been tipped to become the country’s next foreign minister under the new government being formed by Prime Minister-designate Anutin Charnvirakul, according to informed sources.
Noppadon Pattama, former foreign minister and legal adviser to Thaksin Shinawatra, has announced his resignation from the Pheu Thai Party, effective today.
Wasting no time, a new Cabinet under Anutin Charnvirakul’s premiership is already taking shape, with all the portfolios to be shared among the Bhumjaithai party and its allies.
