Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, took the lead in chairing the Cabinet meeting today as Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, is currently visiting Paris, France. The Prime Minister's foreign engagement led to the absence of several key ministers, with a total of 11 Cabinet members missing from today's proceedings.

According to Thai News Agency, the absent ministers included Mr. Anutin; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Mr. Yotsanun Wongsawat; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, among others. This absence list also included Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Sanpetch Bunyamanee, and Mr. Akranan Kankittinant, along with Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Jetseth Thaiseth, Deputy Minister of Interior, and Ms. Suphamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office.

The Cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for June 8-9 in Songkhla Province, has been postponed. Several critical issues have not been studied sufficiently to proceed with the meeting as planned. The matter of the postponement will be addressed to the Prime Minister upon his return. Discussions with the Budget Bureau and the National Economic and Social Development Council are ongoing to determine the new schedule.

Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, Minister of Education, highlighted that the off-site Cabinet meeting in Songkhla Province was postponed due to the need for further review of certain issues and projects. The new date for the meeting will be finalized after consultations with the Prime Minister.