Prawit says Cabinet reshuffle up to PM
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Cabinet members have denied there has been manoeuvring behind the scenes ahead of amendments to the interim charter taking effect and potentially paving the way for a ministerial reshuffle that could result in previously banned former politicians securing
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said Friday that any decision to shake up the Cabinet would be made by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the head of the National Council for Peace and Order.
“If the PM thinks it’s necessary he may consider it by himself and judge the situation and appropriateness [of the move] to make sure that the change will not make things worse,” he said.
Prawit insisted that “everyone in the Cabinet has good intentions and makes sacrifices to work for the people” when asked to comment on Cabinet’s performance.
However, he said he had not talked to Prayut about the matter. “We are working hard now, so why talk about a Cabinet reshuffle?” he said.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Petipong Pungbun Na Ayudhya also said he had not talked about a Cabinet reshuffle, adding that he did not feel extra pressure by its potential.
Amnuay Patise, the Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, said he was sure every Cabinet member was in good spirits, despite being tired from battling the country’s chronic problems.
“I’ve never heard of anyone wishing to resign, though,” he said.
“All I’ve heard is that we have to continue working to our best [abilities], and our work timeline [so far] has met the [three-step] roadmap.”
