Thailand's new Cabinet members start working

BANGKOK, August 24 (TNA) - Thailand's new Cabinet members have started working, after their swearing-in before His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital on Sunday evening. New Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees economic affairs, first arrived at Bangkok's Government House on early Monday morning and worshipped holy spirits before entering his office at the government seat, while other economic ministers did the same later. Somkid reportedly plans to introduce his policies to representatives of the private sector on August 27, under the circumstance of a domestic economic slowdown, including those of the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Thai Bankers Association. Deputy Prime Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told reporters, after arriving at Government House, that he is ready to supervise infrastructure development projects, as he had taken up the task during his past tenure as the transport minister. Air Chief Marshal Prajin said he expects good teamwork with new Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, who is a former deputy transport minister and Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB). At the Ministry of Finance, new Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong worshipped holy spirits at his ministry and talked to ministerial executives, saying that he will introduce his policies on August 26. The newly-appointed Cabinet members will reportedly join the first Cabinet's weekly meeting on August 25. (TNA)