BANGKOK, Thailand – A royal decree officially appointed ministers in the government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, unveiling a highly anticipated economic team combining professional expertise and political influence to address Thailand’s pressing cost-of-living challenges.
The cabinet lineup reflects a deliberate effort to balance technical know-how with political reach. Key figures include:
Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, former Revenue Department chief and expert in tax law and fiscal policy, seen as the government’s financial anchor.
Vorapak Thanyawong, Deputy Finance Minister, former governor of Government Savings Bank and senior executive in major commercial banks, specializing in financial management and banking.
Atthapol Rerkpiboon, Energy Minister, former CEO of PTT, bringing experience in energy policy and large-scale investment projects.
Supajee Suthumpun, Commerce Minister, former executive in Thaicom and Dusit Hotel Group, recognized for international business strategy expertise.
On the political side, the team features:
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, former tourism entrepreneur, tasked with infrastructure and logistics development.
Lt. Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister, with a strong Northern voter base and expertise in agricultural policy.
Trinuch Thianthong, Labour Minister, responsible for labour policy including migrant workers, critical to economic structures.
New faces such as Mallika Jirapanwanit, Deputy Transport Minister; Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Industry Minister; and Amin Mayuso, Deputy Agriculture Minister, are seen as political-economic bridges who will support policy communication and voter outreach.
Political analysts note that the team’s strength lies in pairing true professionals — Aekniti, Vorapak, Atthapol, Supachai — who inspire market confidence, with influential politicians — Thammanat, Phiphat — who can translate economic policies to local constituencies.
The challenge ahead will be coordinating technical expertise with political influence to implement policies effectively while navigating global economic slowdown, currency volatility, border tensions, and international trade pressures.
