Cabinet approves Phumtham as acting prime minister

The Cabinet approved the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as the acting prime minister today, as recommended by the Office of the Secretary-General of the Prime Minister.

Phumtham will have a majority of the authorities entrusted to the prime minister and will chair the committees of several agencies and organisations.

The other four deputy prime ministers, who may serve as the acting prime minister if needed, are Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Pichai Chunhavajira and Prasert Chantararuangthong. They do, however, require approval from the Cabinet to issue orders regarding personnel administration and budgetary approvals, which are within the sole authority of the prime minister.

Led by Acting Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the new Cabinet ministers and those who changed positions, including Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, were sworn in before Their Majesties the King and Queen at the Dusit Palace today.

During the ceremony, the King said that the people yearn for peace, stability and safety and that Cabinet ministers have the duties to administer national affairs for the benefits of the people.

The King blessed the new ministers and asked them to perform their duties with their fullest abilities and knowledge to bring about sustainable prosperity for the country.