Secret Minister and Scandal Rock Anutin’s Interim Cabinet
Bangkok – Thailand’s interim Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has thrown his government into turmoil. On Saturday, he refused to reveal the name of his new justice minister, sparking wild speculation about secret deals and shadowy Buriram police connections. At the same time, a 7-billion-baht corruption scandal threatens to overshadow his administration.
The People’s Party has singled out Phatthana Promphat, the new Health Minister appointee, for his links to the controversial SKYY9 building purchase by the Social Security Office in Bangkok. Allegations suggest shady business ties that could haunt Anutin for months.
Anutin insists his government will last only eight months – four months until the 2026 parliamentary election, and four more until a new administration takes office. “Everything is going according to plan,” he claimed, even as the Ministry of Labour continues probing the SKYY9 deal. Meanwhile, he is crafting an ambitious eight-month economic plan to cover both pre- and post-election periods.
SKYY9 Controversy Puts Health Minister in Hot Water
The SKYY9 property saga has turned into a political nightmare. Phatthana Promphat, son of Palang Pracharat politician Santi Promphat, faces scrutiny over his company’s connections to the billion-baht building deal.
The People’s Party is demanding full transparency and wants answers on how Phatthana’s business interests intersected with the government purchase. An investigation committee, led by former Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit from Pheu Thai, is still reviewing the case – and results are not expected soon.
Meanwhile, Anutin is under pressure over Thai-Cambodian border issues, meeting Defence official Nattapol Nakpanit on Saturday but ruling out reopening border checkpoints. The ongoing secrecy over his justice minister only fuels rumors of hidden political bargains in the interim cabinet.
Constitutional Referendum and Half-Half Project at the Top of the Agenda
Despite mounting scandals, Anutin is pushing forward with bold reforms. A constitutional referendum is scheduled within four months, ideally before the next parliamentary election. He has recruited star jurist Borwornsak Uwanno, a key architect of Thailand’s 1997 constitution, to guide the process.
Anutin’s eight-month economic plan focuses on urgent priorities: resolving border disputes with Cambodia, completing the constitutional referendum, and improving public welfare. The controversial Half-Half Project, started under General Prayut Chan-o-cha, will continue immediately – even though the outgoing finance minister warned of administrative complications.
Business leaders have shown strong interest in meeting the premier, warning of economic headwinds through the end of 2025 and a potential slowdown in 2026 GDP growth.
Outsider Appointments and Cabinet Under the Microscope
Anutin has named General Lieutenant Adul Boonthamcharoen, former 2nd Army Region commander, as Deputy Defence Minister. A border security expert, particularly in disputed Thai-Cambodian areas, Adul’s ties to Anutin go back decades – both attended the National Defence College together.
The cabinet list is under review by the Cabinet Secretariat, and some names may be delayed or rejected. Anutin has already submitted extra candidates to fill gaps. The final list is expected to be sent for royal approval within a week.
On Monday, 15 September, Anutin will meet the Federation of Thai Industries to discuss industrial policy, while CEOs are preparing proposals for the eight-month economic plan and demanding a cabinet meeting immediately after inauguration.