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Xinhua News Agency, Bangkok, August 19 (Reporter Gao Bo, Chen Qianci, Lin Hao) The Secretary General of the House of Representatives of Thailand, Apa Sukanam, announced on the 18th that King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has approved the appointment of Petunthan Shinawatra as the 31st Prime Minister of Thailand. The international community is generally concerned about how Petunthan will form a new cabinet, what the focus of governance will be, and what role her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin, will play?

On August 18, the new Thai Prime Minister Petunthan Shinawatra attended a press conference in Bangkok. Photo by Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Lahen)

How to form a new cabinet

After accepting the appointment on the 18th, Petunthan said that as prime minister, she will cooperate with the legislative branch with an open mind, listen to opinions from all parties, conscientiously perform her duties, and jointly promote Thailand's stable development.

After Petunthan's appointment, the next step is to form a cabinet. Thai media generally believe that Petunthan will basically use the cabinet members of former Prime Minister Setthala, and the number of ministers of the coalition parties will remain unchanged. Only minor adjustments will be made to the cabinet members of his Pheu Thai Party to advance the work with minimal changes.

At the press conference after the appointment ceremony, in response to questions from Thai media about the new cabinet list, Petunthan said that he has not yet discussed with the ruling coalition parties and the specific list will be announced next.

What is the focus of governance?

At the press conference, Petunthan thanked former Prime Minister Setha for his efforts. She said that the prime minister has a heavy burden and bears great responsibilities, but she is fully prepared and will focus on the urgent issues currently facing Thailand, especially improving people's lives.

On August 18, the new Thai Prime Minister Petunthan Shinawatra (center) attended a press conference in Bangkok. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Lahen)

Currently, Thailand's economy is hit by high household debt levels, weak exports and sluggish consumption. In July, the World Bank lowered its 2024 economic growth forecast for Thailand from 2.8% to 2.4%. Political changes may also affect the confidence of foreign investors. After Setha was dismissed, the Thai stock market fell sharply.

Petunthan said he will work to promote economic reforms, improve inclusive health care programs, and launch more initiatives in digital infrastructure construction and enhancing Thailand's soft power.

In order to stimulate domestic consumption, Setha had pushed for the "10,000 baht digital wallet plan" when he was in power, intending to provide 10,000 baht subsidies to eligible citizens. Petongthan said that the relevant policies during Setha's tenure will continue. The original intention of launching the digital wallet plan was to stimulate economic recovery. The new government will not abandon the plan, but it will be further studied in combination with the country's economic situation and in accordance with relevant fiscal laws and regulations.

What role will Thaksin play?

What role will Petunthan's father, former Prime Minister Thaksin, play during Petunthan's administration is a question of widespread concern in Thai public opinion.

On August 18, the new Thai Prime Minister Petunthan Shinawatra attended a press conference in Bangkok. Photo by Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Lahen)

On the 17th, the Thai government's gazette website published a royal decree announcing the pardon of three categories of prisoners on the occasion of the king's 72nd birthday, which will take effect on the 18th. Thaksin's lawyer Win Ya later confirmed that Thaksin, who is currently on parole, is among the pardoned. Thaksin attended the appointment ceremony of Petunthan on the 18th.

At a press conference on the 18th, Petuntan said that there was no plan for Thaksin to take a position in the new government, and Thaksin had no such idea, but she would seek Thaksin's advice when needed. Petuntan said: "I have my own ideas and goals. My father's opinion is very important to me. I hope to work with anyone, including my father."

Thaksin Shinawatra said in an interview with the media that day that he would not serve in the new government. When asked about the composition of the new cabinet, Thaksin said: "This is the prime minister's business."