BANGKOK — His Majesty the King addressed Thailand’s new Cabinet members on Thursday, urging them to serve the nation with “honest hearts and minds” and prioritize the country’s interests above all else.
On July 3, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn delivered a royal address to the new Cabinet members during their oath-taking ceremony at Dusit Palace as guidance for their duties, stating:
“On the occasion of the new Cabinet taking the oath of office before assuming their duties, I would like to express my appreciation for the intentions of all of you to work with the nation as the highest priority. All citizens desire happiness, security, and safety.
Those of you who have the responsibility to administer the country’s affairs for the welfare and happiness of the people have made the correct resolution to perform your duties to the best of your ability and have declared this commitment with firmness and strength. This will boost your own morale and strengthen the people’s confidence.
I therefore offer my support to all of you and ask that you perform your duties with knowledge, capability, and honest hearts and minds, to lead the nation toward sustainable prosperity and stability. May you all be blessed to perform your duties well and enjoy happiness and prosperity together.”
During the oath-taking ceremony, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen granted an audience at Amphorn Sathan Throne Hall for Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister acting as caretaker Prime Minister, to lead the Cabinet members whom His Majesty graciously appointed to pay homage and take the oath of office before assuming their duties, as follows:
- Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
- Mr. Suchart Tancharoen as Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office
- Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation
- Mr. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives
- Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat as Minister of Commerce
- Mr. Chantawich Tandasit as Deputy Minister of Commerce
- Mr. Dech-it Khaothong as Deputy Minister of Interior
- Mr. Phongkawin Jungrungreangkit as Minister of Labour
- Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Minister of Culture (additional position)
- Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat as Minister of Education
- Ms. Linthiphorn Warinawacharoj as Deputy Minister of Education
- Mr. Thewan Liptapallop as Deputy Minister of Education
- Mr. Anucha Sasomsup as Deputy Minister of Public Health
- Mr. Chaichana Detdecho as Deputy Minister of Public Health
Paetongtarn was suspended as Prime Minister on July 1 but joined this ceremony as Culture Minister. She had previously confirmed that holding this concurrent position was to push forward the soft power agenda, which is a key government policy.
The formation of the new cabinet comes at a time when the Pheu Thai Party, which she leads, is under high pressure following the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party, formerly the second-largest party in the government coalition. Additionally, Paetongtarn was suspended from duty by the Constitutional Court during an ethics investigation over her remarks to senior Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
After the court order, Paetongtarn apologized to people upset over the leaked call but defended her actions, saying she had no malicious intent.
“My true intention, more than 100%, I did it for the nation, to preserve our sovereignty, to preserve the lives of the military, of all soldiers, for the peace that will come to our country,” she said.
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