Thaksin's men likely to share the spoils in reshuffle
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Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is reportedly poised to reshuffle her Cabinet in a move that will involve more than a dozen positions and welcome newcomers close to her brother Thaksin.
The upcoming Cabinet Secretariat was checking the details before releasing the new Cabinet line-up, Thitima said, admitting that nine incumbent Cabinet members would lose their job.
Key changes included the concurrent appointment of Kittiratt Na Ranong as deputy prime minister and finance minister.
On Monday, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra submitted the reshuffle list for royal endorsement.
The Cabinet line-up is being billed as streamlining work but is seen as rotating former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's men to share the spoils.
The job line-up will focus on portfolios allocated to the Pheu Thai Party.
Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha, a staunch ally of Thaksin, is tipped to become deputy prime minister overseeing security affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong is tipped to take the concurrent finance portfolio and relinquish his commerce portfolio to Deputy Finance Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, an ally of Thaksin's sister Yaowapha.
Yuthasak's successor is likely to be Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat, also a close ally of Thaksin.
Pheu Thai MP and reds leader Natthawut Saikua is tipped as a newcomer for the position of deputy agriculture minister.
Phue Thai MP Suchart Tadathamrongvej will likely replace Education Minister Worawat Ua-apinyakul who is tipped to move to the PM's Office.
Thaksin's two allies, Nivatthamrong Boonsongpaisal and Nalinee Thavisin, are poised to be allocated portfolios in the PM's Office.
Former ThaiCom executive Arak Chonlatanon, who has long served in Thaksin's business empire, will become energy minister.
Chart Pattana Party will allow the departure of Industry Minister Wannarat Charnnukul due to his illness. Former Thammasat University College of Innovation dean Pongsvas Svasti will be his successor.
Chulalongkorn University lecturer Chatchart Sithipan is tipped to become deputy transport minister.
