Over 20 ministerial slots targeted
A key Pheu Thai strategist, Prommin Lertsuridej, has resigned as an adviser to Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development, amid expectation that he would replace Kittiratt Na-Ranong as the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of economic aff
Sources at the party said that the upcoming reshuffle would lead to a change of over 20 ministerial slots.
They also said that it was very likely that PM’s Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn would be transferred to be the new finance minister, replacing Kittiratt. Kittiratt would then become the commerce minister, as Boonsong Teriyapirom may be ousted.
Besides, Benja Louicharoen also resigned as the Customs director-general. She is expected to join the Cabinet as a deputy finance minister.
Meanwhile, Vichet Kasemthongsri has resigned as PTT chairman, possibly tipped to be a new deputy transport minister.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday declined to confirm or deny reports that she would submit a list of new Cabinet members for royal command on Friday.
When asked to comment this morning at Government House on the reports, she smiled at reporters and said. “May I only smile for today. Please have mercy on me. I would like to walk only”.
Later, as she emerged from a ceremony, reporters approached her again, trying to have her talk about the upcoming reshuffle but she walked away smiling.
“Please excuse me today. I won’t say anything.”
It was reported that Yingluck summoned three individuals likely to be appointed to the Yingluck V Cabinet to a meeting at the SC Park Hotel on Tuesday evening.
They were asked to submit their curriculum vitae for checking.
The three were Chaturon Chaisaeng, former acting Thai Rak Thai leader, Wisarn Techathirawat, former executive of the Thai Rak Thai, and Sorawong Thienthong, a Pheu Thai MP from Sa Kaew.
It was reported that Yingluck would submit the list of Cabinet reshuffle to His Majesty the King to sign Friday.
It is expected that Chaturon would become the interior minister and Wisarn would become the natural resources and environment minister. Sorawong is expected to replace Thanis Thienthong as the deputy industry minister.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said he had not met Yingluck personally although he attended the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday so he knew nothing about the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.
He said it would be up to the prime minister to remove Cabinet members who have not worked with full efficiency so that the performance of the Cabinet could be improved.
