Technocrats get key roles in Thai PM Anutin’s new Cabinet line-up

BANGKOK – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul unveiled his Cabinet line-up on Sept 19, tapping technocrats to head key ministries to steer an economy grappling with the fallout of US tariffs and high household debt.

Seasoned bureaucrat Ekniti Nitithanprapas was appointed deputy prime minister and finance minister, according to a list published in the Royal Gazette.

Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, former chief executive of hotel operator Dusit Thani, was named Commerce Minister and Mr Auttapol Rerkpiboon, a former chief executive of energy giant PTT, was appointed as Energy Minister.

The Cabinet is set to be sworn in by King Maha Vajiralongkorn within days, and Mr Anutin, the third Thai prime minister in two years, is expected to deliver his government’s policy statement shortly after.

Mr Anutin, 59, has pledged to focus on tackling the high cost of living and elevated household debt levels, besides taking steps to address a currency rally that’s threatening the nation’s exports and tourism.

The new government will also peacefully resolve the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, without losing any more lives and protecting the country’s sovereignty, the Premier has said.

The leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party succeeded Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra after she was ousted by the Constitutional Court for an ethical breach over the handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.

That ruling led to the collapse of her coalition, eventually paving the way for Mr Anutin’s elevation and sidelining of the influential Shinawatra clan.

Mr Anutin, who heads a minority government, has promised to call a fresh election within four months under an agreement with the reformist People’s Party that offered to back his bid for Prime Minister without joining the coalition.

Mr Anutin’s move to name technocrats to handle key economic ministries within days of being elected by Parliament helped boost investor confidence, after political instability cast uncertainty over policy direction.

But his government’s short time in power may constrain his ability to make major policy initiatives, according to economists.

Veteran diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow was appointed as foreign minister and retired general Nattaphon Narkphanit was named the defence minister.

Mr Anutin will also double up as the interior minister, according to the notification. BLOOMBERG