New cabinet ministers took the oath of office before His Majesty the King on Wednesday, completing the process of their appointment.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha led the six new ministers, and Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai, to recite the oath at the Ambara Villa in Dusit Palace. The ceremony confirmed the ministers' induction into the new cabinet. Mr Don took part in the ceremony as he was named a deputy prime minister in the latest reshuffle.
Newly-appointed Deputy Labour Minister, Narumon Pinyosinwat, said His Majesty the King extended his moral support to the ministers, who in turn pledged to work for the happiness of the people. Mr Don and Ms Narumon took part along with Energy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Finance Minister Predee Daochai, PM's Office Minister Anucha Nakasai, Labour Minister Suchat Chomklin and Higher Education, Science and Innovation Ministry Anek Laothamatas. The ministers will attend their first cabinet meeting later today.
Thanawat Phonwichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said there will be no honeymoon period for the ministers as the government is battling an economic slump. He added the ministers should understand the needs of the private sector as they are experienced professionals -- an apparent reference to Mr Suppattanapong, who was a director at PTT Global Chemical Plc, and Mr Predee, who was a co-president of Kasikornbank and chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association.