BANGKOK: The king of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Friday sworn in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her 35 cabinet in Bangkok.
The development brought in a new government in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy after a period of political turmoil.
Paetongtarn, 38, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party, was elected by parliament last month to become Thailand’s youngest prime minister after her predecessor Srettha Thavisin was removed by a court order over an ethics violation.
The cabinet, which was endorsed by the king on Wednesday, comprises 17 members from Pheu Thai, including the premier, and another 19 positions divided among coalition partners.
Paetongtarn and her cabinet ministers, dressed in official uniform, swore their allegiance to King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida in a ceremony at Bangkok’s Dusit Palace.
“I want to wish, with gladness, that the cabinet will have the encouragement and determination to perform your duties as you have sworn for the benefit of the country and people,” the king said on Friday after the cabinet’s oath of allegiance.
Paetongtarn has not served in the government previously and will face challenges on multiple fronts, including a struggling economy.
She is also the second woman and fourth member of the Shinawatra family to hold Thailand’s top elected position.
