Today (July 3, 2025), the Cabinet approved the proposal by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Secretary-General regarding the designation of Deputy Prime Ministers to act on behalf of the Prime Minister in cases where the Prime Minister is unable to perform official duties. The assignments were approved in the following order of succession:
- Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai
- Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit
- Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga
- Mr. Phichai Chunhavajira
- Mr. Prasert Chantraruangthong
According to the resolution, when acting on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai will have the same authority and responsibilities as the Prime Minister, including serving as chairperson of any committees or organizations. However, if any of the successors listed as numbers 2 through 5 act as Prime Minister, any decisions related to personnel management or budget approvals within the Prime Minister’s authority must receive Cabinet approval.
The Royal Secretariat concluded that proposing the Cabinet to designate Deputy Prime Ministers in this order complies with legal principles and falls under the Cabinet’s powers in accordance with Section 41 of the Act on the Organization of State Administration, B.E. 2534 (1991). The Cabinet meeting approved the proposal as recommended.