PM gives nod to ministry reshuffles, military moves kept quiet

PM gives nod to ministry reshuffles, military moves kept quiet
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday approved reshuffles at various ministries, including the transfer of several key military officials and the influential post of Interior Ministry permanent secretary being given to Pranai Suwannarat.
Even though names of officials in the Education and Culture Ministries reshuffles were made public, no names or positions were revealed about moves in the military. After the Cabinet meeting yesterday, Yingluck simply said: “The Defence Ministry reshuffle has been approved, pending royal endorsement.”
So far, 11 key positions at the Education Ministry have been changed with Sasithara Phichaicharnnarong taking over from permanent secretary Aphichart Jeerawut, who is the new chief of the Office of Higher Education Commission.
Education Minister Woravat Auapinyakul said that though Sasithara faced criminal lawsuits that had pending verdicts, her promotion was a regular move within the ministry.
“Let everyone do their job and don’t criticise yet. If they can do their job, they will remain in their new positions, but if they don’t, I will make changes again,” he added.
As expected, Pranai is replacing Wichean Chawalit, who was appointed by the previous government and has now been transferred to the PM’s Office Ministry as adviser to the premier.
At the Culture Ministry, there are four changes being made including director-general Aphinant Posayanont of the Department of Cultural Promotion being returned to his old post of deputy permanent secretary. He said he was happy with the move and would continue with the projects he was handling in his old post.
Preecha Kanthiya is the new Religious Affairs Department director-general, and Prissana Phongthad will replace Aphinant, while Chai Nakhonchai will take over as new director of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture.