Thailand's Prime Minister-elect, Anutin Charnvirakul, unveiled his first cabinet on Saturday, bringing in several veteran figures from the administration and diplomacy to bolster his government's credibility.
A former Treasury Department chief, a senior oil and gas executive, and a renowned diplomat have been appointed to the finance, energy, and foreign affairs ministries, respectively. Anutin said the appointments were aimed at "bringing confidence" to a country reeling from political and economic turmoil.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow's return as Foreign Minister is seen as a strong signal in a delicate regional context, particularly with the fragile truce reached with Cambodia after deadly border tensions. On the economic front, the government team is committed to supporting the recovery and attracting more investment.
Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai party, has promised to hold a constitutional referendum and new general elections within four months after the Constitutional Court removed former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office.
This political transition, carried out in a climate of persistent divisions, will be closely watched by foreign partners and investors, who are waiting for signs of stability and continuity in Thai policies.
