Prawit says he's had enough as defence minister
General Prawit Wongsuwan has indicated he might give up his post as defence minister despite being named to retain the role in a Cabinet list obtained from Government House sources.
The list indicates that Prawit, who is also the deputy prime minister, would hold the defence portfolio in tandem with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha in the new government.
Commenting on media rumours that he would not be handed the defence portfolio in the Prayut II government, Prawit denied any knowledge of the list but said his eight years in the post were long enough.
Prawit has had two spells as Defence Minister, for two years and 232 days during the Abhisit Vejjajiva government and for more than five years under the current administration.
“I don’t know either whether I will continue to hold the post of deputy prime minister since my health is now poor,” he said.
Prawit is seen as the “elder brother” among the three junta leaders of the junta National Council for Peace and Order, commanding the respect of Prayut and Interior Minister Gen Anupong Pao-chinda.
Prawit also said he shared the view of Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam that the Prayut II government would be an “iron ship”.