New Thai Cabinet takes oath before king

Thailand's new Cabinet took the oath of allegiance before King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Wednesday under the administration of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who described the occasion as both a profound honor and an auspicious start to his administration.

Following the royal audience, Anutin was due to lead the Cabinet's first meeting. The session was expected to include the distribution of responsibilities among deputy prime ministers and the appointment of the prime minister's secretary-general, who serves as a key coordinator to ensure the government's operations begin smoothly.

With these steps in place, the government will formally begin its work and set out its policy agenda before the Parliament, a process required before implementing new programs and directives.

After the first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday night, the Speaker of the Parliament would be invited to announce the government's policies to the Parliament as soon as possible, depending on the availability of the speaker to schedule a meeting at both houses.

In a recent interview with the local media early this week, Anutin said the government's policy statement is ready and it has been submitted for parliamentary debate between Sept 20 and 30, stressing his Cabinet will dissolve Parliament within four months as promised.

Anutin was elected as Thailand's prime minister on Sept 5, following the Constitutional Court's ruling to dismiss Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her prime ministerial position last month over ethics violations.

After his election, Anutin said his administration would focus on revitalizing economy, resolving border disputes, strengthening disaster control and solving social problems.

On Tuesday, he attended a reception in Bangkok hosted by the Chinese embassy in Thailand to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

In his remarks at the reception, Anutin said China's remarkable development over the decades has been witnessed by the world and that China has always contributed to global peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

"The close bond between Thailand and China serves as a vital foundation for the friendship between our two countries, deeply rooted in the history, traditions and values we share," he said.

As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Thailand and China, Anutin said Thai people are proud to have stood alongside China as a trusted friend and partner throughout this time.

"Thailand is willing to take this opportunity to invite Chinese tourists to visit and Chinese investors to invest in Thailand, and the country is fully prepared to warmly welcome all guests," he said.

At the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei noted that China has always prioritized the development of China-Thailand relations and Thailand remains a reliable partner for China.

Zhang said China will join hands with Thailand to deepen exchanges and cooperation across various fields, and advance the building of the China-Thailand community with a shared future.

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn