‘Paetongtarn’, the Prime Minister, revealed that the cabinet of Paetongtarn 1 has been decided, there are no surprises. They are preparing to sign today before submitting the list to His Majesty for royal approval according to the procedure. She said, ‘This Prime Minister has a very good team.’ She confirmed that the government does not have time for a honeymoon. She said that the first phase of the digital wallet is cash. As for the second phase, she asked for a clear consideration.
At 9:35 a.m., Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, arrived at Shinawatra Building 3, where some members of the public waited to take photos with her.
Then the media asked Ms. Paethongtarn that yesterday (2 September) she had instructed the party’s MPs to expedite the work in order for the people to clearly access the policies. As for the orders to expedite the work, is there anything that needs to be expedited to be seen in this government? Normally, MPs’ meetings will discuss the parliament and various meetings. In th
e policies, there is only an emphasis on the MPs, which is more about the area because the policy covers everything. However, there are small problems of the people that they think can be solved and to expedite the process. She would like them to do it and pay attention to the details, which the MPs are already doing. However, she reminded them to do their best so that they can solve the problems. Right now, the team has talked and set a timeline. After the policy statement is complete, what should be done first? Let’s pull it out and see which things need to be done first. There might be many things to do, and she is afraid that she will forget and not follow up on some of the work.
As for this government, will there be no honeymoon period and must work immediately? The Prime Minister said, ‘No, no, because I came in after Mr. Settha. The work was already underway, so we must continue.’
When asked about the coalition government’s cannabis policy, the Prime Minister said that he would wait for the policy st
atement. He said that he would wait for the final file to come out. We would have to talk to the coalition parties anyway.
As for the digital wallet policy that the people expect, is it still the main policy of the government? The Prime Minister immediately replied that of course, he also expects it.
The reporter then asked further whether the policy to be announced to the parliament is still a main policy. The Prime Minister said that the concept definitely still exists, but the format will be adjusted. At first, it will be a digital wallet. We have a plan to pay in cash as well. We have to wait and see what details need to be fixed, and of course they need to be fixed.
When asked if Mr. Wisut Chainarun, the government whip, had stated that the digital wallet project in the first phase would be cash, while the second phase would be adjusted to the same format as the first phase, which would be cash, and there might be distribution according to the budget, the Prime Minister said, ‘Yes, exactly like that.
But please make the details clear first, because I’m afraid that if I speak, there will be changes in the details. Otherwise, people will say that I’m not speaking directly. We have to do our homework first.’
Meanwhile, Ms. Paethongtarn also mentioned the cabinet position decision, saying that it is complete, but has not yet been submitted for royal endorsement. However, it is expected that today (September 3), Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, the Prime Minister’s Secretary, will start submitting the names according to the process. There are no surprises. She also admitted that today, she will be able to sign the names of all the cabinet members to prepare to submit for royal endorsement, which she planned. As for when they will be submitted for royal endorsement, there will have to be further coordination.
When asked what principles she would use in forming the cabinet this time, Ms. Paethongtarn said that she thought she would like to see more than that the people who were elected would continue to work. From the
newly elected people and those who remained, she already saw the potential of who was ready to work. From being in the party for more than 3 years, she could see who was like what. She also stated that
‘Actually, I want to win like my father won, 377. We will give everyone every position. But it will only give a certain amount. Let’s help each other. Other parties also have them. Let everyone show their abilities.’
As for what she wants to say to the people to have confidence in the Prime Minister, Ms. Paethongtarn said that this Prime Minister has a very good team.
Meanwhile, Ms. Paethongtarn refused to answer questions about the qualifications of the 11 ministers who previously still had petitions at the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the court, including the case where Mr. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana is preparing to file a complaint against Ms. Paethongtarn about the transfer of shares and possession of Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister.
However, the reporter reported that t
he protection of Ms. Paethongtarn used the full national leader system, with one escort car and two security cars following the procession.
Source: Thai News Agency