Prime Minister-elect Srettha Thavisin confirmed this morning (Monday) that his cabinet list is now complete, after a long night of discussions both inside his Pheu Thai party and among coalition members.
“Today, the Secretariat of the Cabinet will receive the cabinet nominations, so that their qualifications can be checked. Please be patient,” Srettha said at Pheu Thai headquarters.
Speaking about the position of Defence Minister, Srettha reiterated that when the name is revealed, no one will be disappointed.
Many names have been suggested for the post, including Pheu Thai party list MP Sutin Klungsang and former National Security Council secretary general Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit.
Photo : General Nattaphon Narkphanit
Asked whether the defence minister will be accepted by both civilians and the military, Srettha said people should look at his performance and his leadership. “Whoever is chosen by the coalition parties will surely work fully for the country and the people,” he said.
“There will be those whose wishes for a ministerial position are granted, while some others are not. This is normal, but I will do my best for everyone to get positions. There are other positions for them, like advisors and secretaries, who work together for better performance,” said Srettha.
Srettha said he personally does not know for sure when he will be able to submit the cabinet list for royal approval, saying that he is new, but his cabinet members’ background examinations may take a few days.
“Anyway, I believe I can declare our policies in parliament sooner than mid-September. We have in hand our policies to be declared,” he said.
Asked whether the process will be completed in time for him to attend the meeting of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in the US, scheduled around the end of next month, Srettha said that he has to check the schedule because, as a new prime minister, he should visit ASEAN countries first.
The meeting of the UNGA is a major gathering, at which he would have the first opportunity to meet with other world leaders.
