Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has submitted his new cabinet for royal endorsement after completing of vetting procedures, with the government aiming to present its policy statement to parliament before the Songkran holiday in mid-April.
Speaking at Government House on Monday, Mr Anutin confirmed that the proposed line-up had been signed off and forwarded in accordance with constitutional procedures. He declined to disclose details, noting that appointments require royal approval and remain beyond the prime minister’s authority until formally endorsed.
The cabinet is expected to comprise 36 positions, including the prime minister. Mr Anutin stressed that the transition would be seamless, with several incumbent ministers likely to retain key roles to ensure continuity.
A policy statement is tentatively scheduled for presentation in parliament between April 7 and 9, though the exact date depends on the completion of royal procedures and the swearing-in of ministers. The document, reportedly around 30 pages in length, will centre on an economic stimulus strategy branded “Thailand 10 Plus”.
The programme outlines four principal pillars: inclusive growth, enhanced national competitiveness, economic stimulus and debt management and industrial development aimed at income generation. It also incorporates contingency planning across four major risk areas — natural disasters, economic instability, national security and social challenges.
Meanwhile, Nakharin Mektrairat, president of the Constitutional Court, addressed questions regarding the vetting of ministerial candidates, particularly the increasing emphasis on ethical standards.
He emphasised that the court cannot initiate investigations independently. “The court operates as a passive body,” he said, adding that disputes must be formally raised before judicial review can proceed.
The vetting process for cabinet nominees involves multiple agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, the Office of the Judiciary, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Election Commission (EC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These bodies examine criminal records, ongoing legal cases, financial status, political affiliations and potential ethical violations.
