Bangkok: The latest cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, following the submission of her cabinet list for royal endorsement, reveals significant shifts in ministerial positions. Most notably, the reshuffle includes the Prime Minister herself taking on the role of Minister of Culture, with the aim of promoting a soft power policy.

According to Thai News Agency, the reshuffle has left the position of Defense Minister vacant, with Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, the Deputy Defense Minister, stepping in as acting minister. In other key appointments, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai will assume the position of Minister of Interior, supported by Deputy Ministers Mr. Decha Isara Khaothong and Ms. Thirat Samretwanich.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives sees Mr. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn taking on the role of Minister, while Mr. Akara Prompao serves as the Deputy Minister, representing the Kla Tham Party. At the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin continues as Minister, with Mr. Chaichana Dejdecho and Mr. Anucha Sasomsap as his deputies.

In the education sector, Ms. Narumon Pinyosinwat has been appointed as Minister of Education, with Ms. Linthiporn Warinwatcharoj and Mr. Thewan Liptapanlop as Deputy Ministers. Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat takes over as Minister of Commerce, joined by Mr. Suchart Chomklin and Mr. Chantawit Tanthasit as Deputy Ministers.

Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitchkosol transitions to the role of Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The Ministry of Labor will be led by Mr. Pongkawin Juangroongruangkit, under the Pheu Thai Party’s quota.

Additionally, Mr. Suchart Tancharoen, Mr. Chusak Sirinil, and Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai are slated to serve as Ministers to the Prime Minister’s Office, further solidifying the new cabinet’s structure.