The line-up assembled at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters comprised Sihasak Phuangketkeow, former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to the United Kingdom; Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director-general of the Treasury Department; and Auttapol Rerkpiboon, former CEO of PTT Public Company Limited, reports the Bangkok Post.
Anutin confirmed Mr Sihasak is expected to take the role of minister of foreign affairs, given his international experience and recognition abroad.
Mr Ekniti, meanwhile, is tipped to become finance minister, responsible for formulating economic stimulus measures - including a possible revival of the popular “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme by the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration.
Mr Auttapol is expected to be nominated as energy minister, a role observers say he can assume immediately due to his deep industry knowledge.
Anutin introduced each individual to the press and discussed their likely ministerial roles.
He said his selections were based on expertise, experience and proven dedication, and that once all appointees have confirmed, speculation over cabinet positions can cease, allowing the team to prepare for their new jobs and coordinate.
“We don’t have much time. Once we are sworn in, we want to hit the ground running,” he said.
Anutin also confirmed that additional non-MP ministers will be introduced in due course, as part of his government’s broader structure. However, appointments for the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs have already been finalised, he said.
When asked about the likelihood of short-term economic stimulus measure from the Finance Ministry, Anutin said he was confident in his incoming ministers’ capabilities at both the macro and microeconomic levels.
He said Mr Ekniti has spent his entire career within the ministry and brings extensive experience from both domestic and international postings.
“[Mr Ekniti] is well-qualified and fully equipped to coordinate with civil service counterparts and ensure continuity in policymaking,” Anutin said.
On the question of reviving the Khon La Khrueng co-payment programme, Anutin said: “Anything is possible if it is beneficial and reflects the will of the people.
“We are not the kind of government that dismisses good ideas just because they weren’t ours. We won’t allow the public to suffer for the sake of political point-scoring,” he said.
Regarding the Thai-Cambodian border dispute and the need to revise two problematic MoUs with Cambodia, Anutin said the expected appointment of Mr Sihasak as foreign affairs minister should help. He stressed the need for someone with deep experience and international recognition to swiftly solve sensitive diplomatic matters.
Asked how long it would take to finalise the government lineup, with some picking it could be wrapped up in a couple of days, Anutin said the process would be completed as swiftly as possible, while keeping in mind the necessary political procedures and legal considerations.
Santi Promphat, deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), also joined the meeting.
Mr Santi is anticipated to serve as both deputy prime minister and public health minister, bringing cross-party representation into the economic leadership team. He said the PPRP had been alloted four ministerial positions - two full ministerial posts and two deputy minister positions. However, discussions are still ongoing regarding which ministries the party will oversee, he said.
Asked whether the Ministry of Defence falls under PPRP’s quota, Mr Santi said negotiations are still in progress. Regarding whether Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, PPRP leader, will take up a ministerial position in the new Cabinet, Mr Santi said: “That’s still a matter for further discussion.”
When asked whether the defence minister should be a military officer, Anutin said the appointee must be someone with professional competence and expertise in the field.
“What matters is capability - the individual must be qualified for the role,” he said.