Bangkok: Joyful scenes unfolded at Government House as 14 new ministers arrived since morning for a series of photo sessions and other formalities before taking their oaths of office. "Athakorn" was the first to arrive, followed by "Prime Minister Paethongtarn," who is set to lead a special cabinet meeting later in the day to discuss the delegation of duties among deputy prime ministers.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at the Government House was bustling as the new ministers made their way to the Santi Maitri Building. Upon arrival, they underwent ATK checks and had their ID cards photographed before preparing to take their oaths. The first to arrive at 7:40 a.m. were Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Mr. Tewan Liptapanlop, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office.
Following them were Mr. Chaichana Dejdecho and Mr. Anucha Sasomsap, both Deputy Ministers of Public Health; Mr. Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Labor; Mr. Chantavit Tanthasit, Deputy Minister of Commerce; Ms. Linthiporn Warinwatcharoj, Deputy Minister of Education; Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Minister of Commerce; Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitchkosol, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Mr. Decha Isara Khaothong, Deputy Minister of Interior; Mr. Suchart Tancharoen, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office; and Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education.
The final arrival was Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, who was seen smiling as she joined her colleagues. The ministers were then scheduled to take a group photo inside the Santi Maitri Building. At 9:45 a.m., they were to board a van provided by the Prime Minister's Office to take their official oath of office and begin their duties.
The day's itinerary includes a special cabinet meeting at 2:00 p.m., chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who will act as the Prime Minister. The meeting's primary agenda is to approve the Cabinet Secretariat's decision to appoint a Deputy Prime Minister to stand in for the Prime Minister if needed. Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai will be the first Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister, and additional responsibilities will be distributed among the Deputy Prime Ministers.
Ahead of the oath ceremony, the Facebook page named Ing Shinawatra updated its cover photo, featuring a message: "Opportunity for Thailand Empowering Thais."