Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially endorsed the new cabinet formed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with Julapun Amornvivat, a key figure in the effort to legalize casinos, retaining his position as deputy finance minister.
The endorsement, announced through the Royal Gazette on Wednesday, introduces a 36-member lineup, including 12 new faces in the coalition government. The new cabinet is expected to present its policy proposals to parliament as early as next week.
The cabinet composition reflects the influence of the Pheu Thai party, the populist political force associated with the billionaire Shinawatra family. Pheu Thai has secured 17 key positions, including ministers and deputy ministers, while the remaining 19 positions have been allocated among coalition partners. This strategic distribution underscores the party’s continued dominance in shaping Thailand’s political landscape.
Julapun Amornvivat’s continued role in the cabinet is particularly significant as he has been instrumental in the ongoing discussions around legalizing casinos in Thailand. His inclusion signals the potential for advancing these efforts, with the Ministry of Finance actively studying the implications of legalizing the casino industry.
Meanwhile, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra – the father of Paetongtarn Shinawatra – has confirmed his support for legalized casinos. This endorsement represents a significant boost for industry advocates following the recent removal of former leader Srettha Thavisin.
In a detailed address two weeks ago, titled “Vision for Thailand,” Thaksin discussed his perspectives on the country’s struggling economy and outlined critical measures needed to stimulate future growth, signaling a positive shift for casino industry supporters eager to see progress in this area.
