Yingluck asks for six-month grace period

Bangkok, Aug 10: Freshly endorsed Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday asked for a six-month grace period before any evaluation of her cabinet's work.

Speaking to reporters a day after the endorsement of her cabinet line-up, Yingluck voiced support for all appointed candidates, insisting they were carefully recruited and intended to work towards national and economic development.

Yingluck dismissed skepticism over the ability of her cabinet members, saying she would like the public to give her government a chance to work for a while, and that the cabinet performance should be evaluated as a whole rather than on an individual basis.

She also responded to doubts over the qualifications of the incoming foreign minister Surapong Towijakchaikul, saying he was well-experienced as chairman of the House foreign affairs committee and served as MP for many years.

On the economic front, the Thai premier turned down speculation that the new finance minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala would be working on the capital market rather than macroeconomic issues.

She added that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong would handle macroeconomic matters with the help of his economic team.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed cabinet members would attend an oath-taking ceremony at 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, with Yingluck expected to announce her policy statement in 15 days.

PTI (TNA)