Among the attendees were designated ministers across key portfolios, including Attapol Rerkpiboon (energy), Sihasak Phuangketkeow (foreign affairs), Suphajee Suthumpun (commerce), Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (transport) and Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit (defence).
The meeting focused on finalising policy priorities for the first four months of governance, reports the Bangkok Post.
Confirmed initiatives include the revival of the popular ‘Half-Half’ co-payment scheme. Other proposals under discussion ‒ though not yet finalised ‒ include the ‘We Travel Together’ tourism stimulus programme, decentralisation efforts and disaster mitigation strategies.
After the meeting, Anutin said it focused on national policies, particularly the economy and the Thai-Cambodian border conflict.
He said a framework would be prepared in advance to ensure swift policy implementation once the new government takes office. The goal, he emphasised, is to turn the policy into immediate action without delay.
Regarding the Cabinet lineup, he said the vetting process is currently underway, with several nominees already approved.
The procedure has taken some time due to the need for background checks, including verification with courts across the country to ensure candidates are free from any legal proceedings. Several positions, including the minister of justice, remain unannounced.
“Once everything is in order, we’re ready to make it public,” Anutin said.
Anutin also posted a photo of the meeting on his Facebook page, with a message saying: “Policy planning session ahead of our address to Parliament. We aim to start the 120-day countdown as promised. #NoDaysOff.”
A source said the latest draft of Mr Anutin’s first cabinet includes former 2nd Army Region Commander Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen, who is expected to be appointed deputy defence minister as an external candidate.
Lt Gen Adul is regarded as an expert in border affairs, particularly along the Thai-Cambodian border.
His appointment is seen as easing the burden on Gen Nattaphon as the incoming defence minister, the source said.
The list is currently undergoing vetting by the Secretariat of the Cabinet, with some names flagged for further review.
Mr Anutin has submitted more candidates than required to ensure flexibility in case of disqualifications.
The final list is expected to be submitted for royal endorsement within the coming week, the source said.
Reports also showed a change in the outsider candidate for the justice minister post. Earlier reports pointed to Pol Lt Gen Chanchai Pongpichitkul, former deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 3, until criticism of potential conflicts of interest in sensitive cases arose, such as the Senate collusion probe.
Meanwhile, Nithiya Boonyamanee, daughter of former Democrat Party deputy leader Nipon Boonyamanee, on Saturday declined an invitation to serve as deputy minister of commerce in Mr Anutin’s incoming cabinet.
She apologised for any confusion or concern caused during the past few days of speculation and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the government’s efforts in other appropriate capacities.