BANGKOK, Oct 31 – Thailand’s new cabinet is scheduled to take an oath of allegiance in an audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday, according to Interior Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan.
The newly-appointed minister said the ceremony will take place at 5pm tomorrow. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will later assign tasks to the new deputy premiers and other ministers.
Following concerns expressed regarding the qualifications of the new Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Varathep Rattanakorn, Mr Jarupong said although Mr Varathep was convicted for malfeasance in violation of Article 157 of the Criminal Code in the two- and three-digit lottery case, his jail term has been suspended as he has no criminal record.
Mr Jarupong said this can be considered that Mr Warathep is qualified for the post as he has never been in jail.
Thursday’s oath of allegiance ceremony was set after His Majesty the King on Sunday endorsed the cabinet reshuffle proposed by Prime Minister Yingluck.
The major cabinet shake-up involved 23 cabinet seats with new ministers from members of the so-called House No. 111 or former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai party, while some ministers have been promoted or transferred to other ministries. (MCOT online news)
