Thailand's King Endorses New Cabinet Led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's new cabinet, which features 12 new faces. The Pheu Thai Party dominates the 36-member lineup, retaining key ministers while appointing new ones. Paetongtarn is Thailand's youngest premier and its second female leader.

On Wednesday, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn officially endorsed the new cabinet led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Royal Gazette confirmed.

With 12 new members in a 36-member lineup, the cabinet is dominated by Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai Party, which has sustained multiple governments since 2001. Key ministers, including Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, have been retained, while Deputy Premier Phumtham Wechayachai has taken on the defense portfolio.

Paetongtarn, who was elected as the youngest premier and the second woman to hold the position, leads a cabinet where Pheu Thai occupies 17 seats, with coalition partners sharing the remaining 19. Notably, she is the fourth member of the influential Shinawatra family to assume the role, further cementing the family's political influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)