Expected Cabinet revamp welcomed

Reports of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle were received positively yesterday, as the move is seen as timely and necessary to solve the government’s worsening problems and reduce political pressure. However, critics warned that judging from the possible line-up, the influence of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra remained high in this latest change in the government.

The likely line-up of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s fifth Cabinet reflects an effort to reverse the decline in the government’s fortunes following a barrage of problems, including the rice-pledging crisis.

Judging from the speculative list of members in the reshuffled Cabinet, which is expected to be announced soon, the next Cabinet will have the best image of any in this coalition government so far. 

Apart from salvaging the current situation, the new Cabinet appears to have been put together with an eye on solving several political problems.

A public opinion survey by Suan Dusit Poll found that, of 1,308 respondents, more than 83 per cent said it was time for another Cabinet reshuffle. 

More than 57 per cent of those surveyed said a shake-up was normal as the government was approaching two years in office. Another 23 per cent said there should be changes when the government makes mistakes, and almost 20 per cent said the change was necessary to improve efficiency and stability.

Political scientist Sukhum Nualsakul yesterday said the time was right for a reshuffle. 

“It’s the right thing so do. Without a reshuffle, it would mean the government was not listening to criticism,” he said. “Removing the problematic ministers shows the government is listening to the people.”

The government has come under a barrage of criticism over its loss-making rice-pledging scheme and the expensive water and infrastructure projects, among others.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said many of those tipped to become new Cabinet members are close to Thaksin, who is believed to be pulling the strings behind the governing Pheu Thai Party. He called on government ministers to work for the public interest, and not for the benefit of certain individuals or ruling politicians.

After the imminent shake-up, the prime minister is expected to double as defence minister, with General Yuthasak Sasiprapha serving as deputy defence minister. Senior ex-bureaucrats are likely to be appointed to the Cabinet, including Yanyong Phuangrach as deputy commerce minister, Chaikasem Nitisiri as justice minister and Benja Louicharoen as deputy finance minister.

Politicians close to Thaksin are also tipped to join the Cabinet. They include Chaturon Chaisang, likely to become education minister; Wichet Kasemthongsri, natural resources and environment minister; Pavena Hongsakul, social development and human security minister; and Sirikorn Maneerindra, deputy education minister.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan will be not given any post. Observers believe Thaksin decided to drop Jatuporn from the next Cabinet because he wants to return home soon.

It is believed that keeping Jatuporn out would ease opposition to the government. But Thaksin would still need red shirts as a main pillar of the government. Jatuporn’s Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) is not the only red-shirt group. Thaksin can avail himself of the services of several other red-shirt groups, especially in the North and Northeast. Thaksin maintains ties with the DAAD through Natthawut Saikua’s presence in the Cabinet.