TRT execs tipped to return in reshuffle

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 affairs.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.Sources said he was tipped to be the new deputy transport minister in the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday declined to confirm or deny reports that a Cabinet reshuffle was imminent, possibly as soon as next month, as the government looks to restore public confidence.

Reports emerged that Yingluck plans to submit a reshuffled list of her Cabinet to HM the King tomorrow(Friday). Many positions are reportedly set to change, as the government is under heavy attack for its policies, particularly the rice-pledging scheme.
Yingluck refused to comment when reporters approached her at 9.20am at Government House.

Party sources, who asked not to be named, said yesterday that Yingluck had summoned three people who would be appointed to the Yingluck V Cabinet to a meeting at the SC Park Hotel on Tuesday night - Chaturon Chaisang, former acting leader of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party; Wisarn Techathirawat, a former TRT executive; and Sorawong Thienthong, a Pheu Thai MP from Sa Kaew. They were asked to submit their curriculum vitae for checking.
Chaturon is expected to become interior minister and Wisarn the natural resources and environment minister. Sorawong is expected to replace Thanis Thienthong as the deputy industry minister.
Some Pheu Thai MPs denied a reshuffle would occur in the near future. However, it looks likely as on Tuesday, Yingluck’s elder sister Yaowapha Wongsawat made a rare visit to meet the PM (her sister) at Government House. Yaowapha leads an influential Pheu Thai faction.
A party source said that Yaowapha; Noppadon Pattama, a legal adviser to former PM Thaksin; Sita Divari, chairman of Airports of Thailand’s board and a former TRT minister; and Chart Thai Pattana de facto leader Banharn Silapa-archa, and some Pheu Thai MPs visited Thaksin in Hong Kong on the weekend. The MPs were told by Thaksin more than 20 Cabinet positions would be changed and the reshuffle would be done by the end of next month. They were reportedly told outsiders and former Thai Rak Thai executives would be appointed to the Cabinet to improve its performance. Also expected to receive a seat is former TRT minister Bhokin Bhalakula.
Ministers who may be transferred include Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Defence Minister Sukampol Suwannathat, Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and Deputy Commerce Minister Natthawut Saikua. Kittiratt was tipped to move to Commerce. Under the deals, ministers likely to lose their seats include Charupong Ruangsuwan (Interior), Chatt Kuldiloke (deputy Interior), Pracha Promnok (Justice), Phadermchai Sasomsap (Labour), Preecha Rengsomboonsuk (Natural Resources and Environ-ment), Santi Promphat (Social Development and Human Security), Prasert Chantararuangthong (Deputy Transport), Thanis Thiengthong (Deputy Industry), Woravat Auapinyakul (Science) and Sansanee Nakpong (PM’s Office).
Natthawut was expected to replace Sansanee, the sources said.
They said the new Cabinet would include representatives of groups within Pheu Thai. They include Chaturon, Wisarn, Sorawong,MP Chaiya Promma, red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan, General Prin Suwannathat and former Thai Rak Thai executive Bhokin. They have reportedly submitted resumes.
Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana is reportedly likely to be made Justice minister.