Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn vows to boost economy “immediately” By Reuters

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Saturday her new government would try to boost the economy “immediately” and continue the policies of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

She held a special cabinet meeting earlier in the day to prepare policies to be presented at a two-day session of parliament on Thursday and Friday that will mark the official start of her administration.

Paetongtarn was elected prime minister by the country’s House of Representatives last month after Srettha’s shock removal by a court over ethics violations.

She said her government would mainly continue the policies of her predecessor with some adjustments. This includes addressing issues such as debt restructuring, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, and boosting the agricultural and tourism sectors.

“Our work will continue from Srettha’s government, especially in stimulating the economy,” Paetongtarn said at his first press conference since his cabinet was sworn in by King Maha Vajiralongkorn a day earlier.

She did not directly address a question about potential adjustments to the government’s flagship digital wallet scheme or when it might be implemented. The scheme calls for 50 million Thais to each receive 10,000 baht ($295) via a smartphone app.

Paetongtarn said this week that part of the government’s 450 billion baht ($13.4 billion) plan would be distributed in cash, signaling the wallet scheme could be adjusted, but gave no details.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, has not previously served in government and will face difficulties on several fronts, from the declining economy to potential legal challenges similar to the one that led to Srettha’s ouster .

She is the fourth member of the family to hold the office of prime minister, with the other three removed either by coups or court orders.

($1 = 33.71 baht)