BANGKOK – Thailand’s prime minister-elect Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday announced his first cabinet picks, naming respected figures from finance, energy and diplomacy to restore confidence in a nation shaken by political and economic instability.
Anutin, elected prime minister on Friday after dramatic power shifts, tapped economist Ekniti Nitithanprapas as finance minister, PTT Group executive Auttapol Rerkpiboon as energy minister, and seasoned diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow as foreign minister. He said the choices were “top executives in the organizations they will be responsible for.”
The appointments, pending royal approval, come as Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy struggles with sluggish growth and the fallout of months of political crisis. Ekniti, once viewed as a candidate for central bank governor, is expected to lead fiscal rehabilitation, while Auttapol brings experience from running Thailand’s biggest energy firm. Sihasak returns to diplomacy at a fragile moment, as tensions with Cambodia linger after deadly border clashes in July.
Anutin secured power by defeating rival Chaikasem Nitisiri, dealing a blow to Pheu Thai, the party long dominated by billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin departed for Dubai a day before Friday’s vote, marking another twist in the Shinawatra dynasty’s rollercoaster political saga. The turmoil intensified with last week’s court removal of ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter.
Promising stability, Anutin struck a rare alliance with the opposition People’s Party, pledging a referendum on amending the constitution and fresh elections within four months. Calling for unity, he vowed the law would be “strictly enforced” with no favors, abuse of power or political revenge.