New cabinet appointments made on merit basis

Thailand’s Prime Minister-elect Yingluck Shinawatra has stressed that her consideration of cabinet members will be based solely on individual capabilities.

Ms Yingluck brushed off a rumour that she would appoint her brother ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as a trade ambassador, saying that she did not know how the rumour came from. She noted that her brother had not demanded any position but only gave her the moral support.

Ms Yingluck said that at present she wanted time to focus on the drafting of policy guideline in accordance with the promise she gave to the people, adding that the formation of the cabinet would be clearer after the Election Commission has certified the election results.

Ms Yingluck admitted that she has no one in mind for the defence minister’s portfolio, but the candidate must be able to work with the military. As for those to work in economic related ministries, she said people in her party will be considered first but opportunities are still opened for outsiders.

The prime minister-designate noted that the new foreign minister must be knowledgeable, has adequate capabilities, is able to coordinate with government officials and must be accepted by the international community.

Asked if key leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) will be appointed to the new cabinet, Ms Yingluck responded that capabilities of each figure will be the main criteria for consideration, not individual appearances; otherwise, formation of the new cabinet will be difficult.