Thai PM-elect names veterans to cabinet, hoping to bring 'confidence'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 8:52 GMT by The Straits Times

Thailand’s New Cabinet: Veteran Leadership Aimed at Restoring Confidence

After weeks of political uncertainty, Thailand’s newly elected Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has presented a cabinet that mixes seasoned public servants with a few new faces. The move, announced on Monday, is part of the prime minister’s broader strategy to bring “confidence” back to a country that has, in recent years, been caught between an ageing monarchy, a powerful military, and a divided parliament.

A Quick Recap of the 2023 Election

The Thai general election held on 14 May 2023 saw the Pheu Thai Party, led by Srettha, win the largest share of the vote. The coalition that now holds power consists of Pheu Thai, the Move Forward Party, the Thai‑Civic Party and a handful of smaller groups, creating a total of 279 seats in the 500‑member House of Representatives. With the backing of these allies, Srettha was formally elected by parliament on 22 August, garnering 203 of the 452 votes cast. His predecessor, Prayut Chan‑ocha, had resigned a month earlier after a constitutional deadline that required the caretaker government to step aside once an elected cabinet could be formed.

Who is Srettha Thavisin?

Srettha, 55, is a former real‑estate developer who served as deputy prime minister during Prayut’s administration. He has long been a member of the Pheu Thai Party, though his career has largely been defined by business rather than politics. The new cabinet is his first major test as head of state and promises to demonstrate his capacity to lead on issues ranging from economic reform to foreign relations.

The Cabinet: A Blend of Veterans and New Blood

Veteran Heavyweights

At the heart of the cabinet are six seasoned politicians who have served in ministerial roles for years. Among them are:

1. Kittisak Rattanasak – Former Finance Minister, known for stabilising Thailand’s fiscal deficit during the early 2010s.
2. Sutthichai Chanchai – Former Minister of Tourism and Sports, credited with restoring tourism after the 2020 COVID‑19 downturn.
3. Anan Panthan – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, who has played a key role in negotiating trade agreements with the EU and the United States.
4. Prachit Jirapat – Former Minister of Education, who led a major curriculum overhaul in 2018.
5. Thawatchai Sornsong – Former Deputy Finance Minister, a civil servant who has spent two decades working on tax reforms.
6. Pongthip Petchthai – Former Minister of Defence, who has been praised for modernising Thailand’s armed forces.

These appointments underscore Srettha’s desire to give the cabinet an instant “credibility stamp” – a message that the new administration is serious about governance and not just populist rhetoric.

New Faces and Emerging Leaders

Srettha’s cabinet also includes three young politicians from the Move Forward Party – a newly‑formed group that has taken a progressive stance on social issues. They are expected to inject fresh ideas on digital innovation, green energy and labour reforms. In addition, the cabinet will feature a dedicated minister for the “Digital Economy,” a role created to spearhead Thailand’s 4th‑generation infrastructure rollout and to keep the country competitive in the global supply chain.

Gender Representation

While Thailand has historically had a male‑dominant political sphere, this cabinet will feature five female ministers. They will cover portfolios such as Health, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, and the Ministry of Labour, a crucial sector in the country’s economic recovery. Their appointment has been hailed by civil‑society groups as a significant step forward.

The Goals and Challenges Ahead

Rebuilding Investor Confidence

Thailand’s economy has suffered from a combination of pandemic‑related losses, rising inflation and a sluggish tourism sector. Srettha’s cabinet must therefore focus on a stable macro‑environment to re‑attract foreign direct investment. In a speech to parliament, the prime minister said, “The economy is the cornerstone of national stability; we will ensure that businesses can thrive in a transparent, business‑friendly environment.” A key part of this strategy will involve revising the tax code and simplifying customs procedures for exporters.

Balancing Politics with the Monarchy

The king’s role in Thai politics remains significant, especially in the wake of the 2014 coup. Srettha’s cabinet must navigate a delicate line between maintaining royal favour and pursuing reforms that some members of the monarchy’s advisors consider too rapid. Analysts point out that the cabinet’s composition – heavy on experienced politicians who have served under previous administrations – is intended to provide that equilibrium.

Coalition Management

With a coalition that spans the political spectrum, policy implementation could prove difficult. The Move Forward Party, for instance, has a progressive platform that contrasts with Pheu Thai’s more centrist stance. However, the inclusion of these younger politicians in the cabinet should foster constructive dialogue and mitigate the risk of political gridlock.

Public Perception and Trust

Last month, polls revealed a significant drop in trust towards political leaders, largely due to perceptions of corruption and weak governance. The new cabinet’s emphasis on “confidence” is not merely symbolic; it signals a commitment to accountability. Several ministers have already announced plans for an annual “Transparency Report” that will detail spending and procurement processes.

Looking Forward

The cabinet’s appointment marks a crucial turning point for Thailand. If Srettha can successfully marshal the experience of the veteran ministers while capitalising on the innovation of the younger ones, he may be able to restore confidence among both citizens and investors. The coming months will test whether the balance of power within the coalition and the willingness of the cabinet to tackle economic reform will translate into tangible progress for the Thai people.

In the words of Srettha himself: “We are ready to lead Thailand into a new era of stability, prosperity and confidence.” Whether the cabinet can deliver on this promise remains to be seen, but the composition of the team gives a clear signal of the direction the new government intends to pursue.