Thailand's new government officially sworn in

On the afternoon of September 5, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and 33 Cabinet ministers came to meet King Maha Vajiralongkorn at Dusit Palace in Bangkok to take the oath of office.

At the Oath-taking Ceremony, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Cabinet members pledged allegiance to the monarchy during their four years in power.

In a televised address after the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Srettha asserted: “This government is a people's government... we are all here as representatives of the people.”

In addition, the new Prime Minister of Thailand also pledged to address people's petitions.

Previously, King Maha Vajiralongkorn on September 2 approved the ministers selected by Prime Minister Srettha.

Mr Srettha's government is an 11-party coalition led by the Pheu Thai Party, which includes major parties in the administration of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

According to the Cabinet list published in the Royal Gazette, Mr. Srettha, in addition to the title of Prime Minister, will also hold the position of Minister of Finance.

The six Deputy Prime Ministers include Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai of the Pheu Thai Party who is also the Minister of Commerce, Mr. Somsak Thepsutin of the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara of the Pheu Thai Party who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party (Pride of Thailand) who is also the Minister of Home Affairs, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwon of the Palang Pracharath Party (People's State Power - PPRP) who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga of the United Thai Nation (UTN) who is also the Minister of Energy.

The new government is expected to hold its first cabinet meeting on September 6 and will announce its policy to the Thai Parliament on September 11.

According to a source from the Pheu Thai Party, Prime Minister Srettha is currently finalizing a policy statement focusing on seven basic points: one stimulus, three accelerations, and three innovations.

The new government aims to stimulate the domestic economy by implementing a Digital Wallet program by providing 10,000 baht ($283) in digital currency to all Thai citizens over the age of 16.

In addition, the new government is expected to speed up the implementation of three main issues: Amending the constitution, focusing on maintaining the constitutional monarchy.

The government is expected to defer debt payments for up to three years for farmers and one year for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as reduce energy prices and living costs.

On the three innovation goals, Prime Minister Srettha will focus on generating revenue in high-potential sectors such as tourism by providing free visas and improving airport operations and flight management.

Along with that are efforts to increase the minimum wage to 600 baht ($17) for workers and the minimum wage for new graduates to 25,000 baht ($703).

In addition, the Thai government also plans to create more job opportunities, reduce costs and burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises, and promote the economy based on soft power factors.

The new cabinet will also focus on improving the quality of life for all Thais, tackling the drug problem, improving the national health care program and abolishing compulsory military service.