BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s new cabinet was confirmed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, clearing the final hurdles for the formation of his coalition government.
Last obstacle removed as Sudawan dropped from cabinet
For weeks, debate over one unresolved appointment had delayed the government’s formation. Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol, deputy leader of Pheu Thai, had faced criticism because of an ongoing investigation by the Department of Special Investigation into allegations that she and her parents unlawfully occupied forest land in Ubon Ratchathani. For a prospective minister, this was seen as untenable.
Pheu Thai then withdrew her nomination from the cabinet list.
“There were some problems with certain individuals, but these have now been resolved,”
said Anutin Charnvirakul, prime minister.
Nikorn Soemklang steps in as husband takes ministerial role
In place of Sudawan, her husband Nikorn Soemklang, a member of parliament from Nakhon Ratchasima, moved into the cabinet. He was set to head the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Two other names had also appeared on the reserve list, Wisut Chaiyarun and Kattiya Sawatdiphol, and both were vetted and found suitable.
However, the choice ultimately fell on Nikorn. The decision was viewed as politically astute, as it kept Sudawan’s family within the government apparatus without bringing the embattled politician herself into the cabinet.
New cabinet line-up: 29 men and 6 women
The final cabinet list comprised 35 ministers, including 29 men and six women. Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai also took on the powerful Interior Ministry in addition to the premiership.
Key positions included Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn as deputy prime minister and transport minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas as deputy prime minister and finance minister, and Sihasak Phuangketkeow as deputy prime minister and foreign minister. Yodchanan Wongsawat became deputy prime minister and minister for higher education, Suphajee Suthumpun deputy prime minister and commerce minister, Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen defence minister, Surasak Phancharoenworakul tourism and sports minister, and Varawut Silpa-archa industry minister.
How the vetting process unfolded
The screening of ministerial candidates was extensive. Each individual was examined by the responsible authorities for potential constitutional grounds that could bar them from office.
“I received the names from all coalition parties and had them checked to ensure there are no constitutional disqualifications,”
said Anutin.
A final meeting with the relevant agencies was scheduled for Monday.
“Once everything is clarified, I will submit the list for review and Royal endorsement,”
said the prime minister.
Pheu Thai secures most cabinet posts
Although Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party supplied the prime minister, Pheu Thai remained the strongest force in the coalition, holding the majority of cabinet positions. The government was formed as a broad coalition of several parties that joined together to ensure political stability.
The distribution of key ministries reflected this balance of power. Pheu Thai controlled the Finance Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, while Bhumjaithai took charge of the Interior Ministry and the Transport Ministry.
Government expected to start work next week
With the cabinet list due to be submitted on Monday, the final phase of government formation was underway. After receiving Royal endorsement, the new ministers could be sworn in.
The government was expected to begin work as early as next week. The challenges were considerable: the economy was weak, inflation was weighing on the population, and recent increases in diesel and petrol prices had caused public discontent. Anutin now faced pressure to deliver quick results and prove that the new administration could meet public expectations.
What the new government means for Thailand
The successful formation of the cabinet ended a period of political uncertainty. After months of negotiations and delays, Thailand again had a fully functioning government.
The business community in particular was hoping for new momentum from the incoming ministers. A promised diesel tax cut was expected to be implemented quickly. In foreign policy, Thailand also aimed to send a signal of stability, with an experienced foreign minister at the helm to strengthen the country’s regional position.
Observers noted that the coming weeks would show how swiftly the new government could move from promises to implementation.
New beginning or familiar problems?
As the new administration prepared to take office, questions lingered over whether it would truly bring change or whether entrenched conflicts would persist. The reshuffle that replaced a controversial nominee with her spouse raised further debate over how much had really shifted.
The public discussion now centred on expectations of the new leadership: whether it could provide fresh momentum or merely present new faces managing old challenges.