BANGKOK, July 1 — Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reshuffled her Cabinet following the departure of a key coalition partner and vacancies in ministerial portfolios.
In the new Cabinet line-up published in the Royal Gazette, there are 14 new appointments, while six ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios.
She will assume an additional role as Minister of Culture.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has been reassigned from the Defence Ministry to serve as Minister of the Interior. No replacement has been named for the defence portfolio so far.
Notable changes in the reshuffle include Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation; Attakorn Sirilathayakorn as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; and Narumon Pinyosinwat as Minister of Education.
Newcomers to the Cabinet include Jatuporn Buruspat as Minister of Commerce and Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit as Minister of Labour.
The new Cabinet line-up was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday (July 1), with the oath-taking ceremony expected to take place on July 3.
The Cabinet reshuffle followed the withdrawal of support by the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, on June 18, citing dissatisfaction with government actions perceived to affect Thai sovereignty.
All eight Bhumjaithai ministers resigned, effective June 19.
Despite the withdrawal of Bhumjaithai, the Pheu Thai-led coalition retains a majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives, ensuring the government’s continued stability.
— Bernama
