Thailand's new PM Srettha begins work after receiving royal approval
BERNAMA
August 23, 2023 23:27 MYT
Thailand's new PM Srettha begins work after receiving royal approval
Srettha Thavisin has officially become the new Prime Minister of Thailand after receiving royal assent. - REUTERS photo
Srettha Thavisin has officially become the new Prime Minister of Thailand after receiving royal assent.
The 61-year-old Srettha received a written order from King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a ceremony at the Pheu Thai headquarters this afternoon - a day after he received the support of 482 MPs in a conference with 747 MPs.
He paid tribute to the King's portrait as a symbolic sign of accepting the Royal Decree to become prime minister.
"I, Srettha Thavisin, want to serve as a dedicated and hard-working prime minister, listen to the voice of the people, and advance Thailand to create a better future for our children. Thank you," he said after receiving the royal assent.
Srettha is expected to announce the members of his Cabinet and seek royal assent in the next few days.
He promised to promote an inclusive society, implement policies to overcome the country's challenges, and help Thailand move forward.
He said Thailand is at an important crossroads, facing various crises and problems, including economic and income inequality, foreign policy challenges, corruption, misconduct, and injustice.
"I will give priority to the interests of the country and the people. I believe we can build a better future for our country in the next four years," he said.
Srettha is Thailand's first civilian Prime Minister in more than nine years.
He leads an 11-party coalition government including two military-linked rivals: the Pracharath Cross Party (PPRP) and the United Thai Nation (UTN).
The coalition has 314 seats in the 500-member Dewan Rakyat.
The Pheu Thai Party, which came second in the general election with 141 seats, has united with two military-backed parties to form a government and end the political stalemate after the general election.
Meanwhile, the interim Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan o-cha, congratulated Srettha and wished him success.
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