Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Minister of Defence Thammanat Promphao were notably absent from the recent Cabinet meeting.
According to Thai News Agency, the absence of these key figures came as the Cabinet Secretariat reported setting the air conditioning to a uniform 26 degrees Celsius, aligning with new energy conservation measures.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, as Prime Minister Anutin, who also serves as Minister of Interior, delegated his responsibilities. This delegation follows speculation surrounding the political environment, particularly after the Kla Tham Party's decision not to join Anutin's government.
The Cabinet has been expected to finalize measures addressing the impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. One significant consideration is a work-from-home arrangement aimed at reducing travel, following a request from the Center for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) for both public and private sectors to conserve energy.
Discussions at the meeting also focused on providing support for Thai citizens in Iran and formulating economic and energy contingency plans. The Ministry of Energy proposed several energy conservation measures to the Cabinet, emphasizing government agency cooperation. These included maintaining air conditioning temperatures between 26-27 degrees Celsius, adopting casual dress codes, turning off unnecessary lights, and promoting remote work and online meetings.
The Prime Minister's Office also communicated a new dress code, asking male ministers to wear white shirts without ties or suits, while female ministers were encouraged to dress casually in cotton or silk attire. Staff were advised to wear white or black shirts without suits, underscoring the emphasis on energy conservation.
In addition to the Prime Minister, five other ministers were absent from the meeting. These included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Captain Thammanat Promphao, Minister of Social Development and Human Security Akkhara Promphao, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaiyanok Chidchob, and Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat. Minister of Education Narumon Pinyosinwat participated via video conference.