Thailand's new coalition govt sworn in

BANGKOK -- Thailand's new coalition government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was sworn into office on Monday evening, following a royal endorsement last week.

The 35-member cabinet recited the oath of allegiance before an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a traditional ceremony held in the Dusit Palace in Bangkok.

Anutin and seven deputy prime ministers attended the ceremony, along with other cabinet ministers and their deputies.

The prime minister later chaired a special cabinet meeting at the government house. Anutin is set to present his policy statement to parliament in the coming days, the final step required before the new administration can officially assume its duties.

Anutin, 59-year-old Bhumjaithai Party leader, was re-elected for a second term as the prime minister of the Southeast Asian country following his victory in a parliamentary vote in March.