Cabinet reshuffle done
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PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday that he has completed a reshuffle of the Cabinet. "The list will be proposed for Royal endorsement when the time comes," he said.
Not confirming how many seats were changed, he implied that it could even include his PM’s post.
There has been speculation about whether Deputy PM MR Pridiyathorn Devakula will be replaced by Somkid Jatusripitak, economic adviser to the National Council for Peace and Order. Prayut has reportedly been upset with the economic team led by Pridiyathorn.
Though reports have suggested that Somkid may not want to hold a ministerial portfolio, he has never ruled out such a possibility publicly.
Meanwhile, in a surprise move yesterday, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Borwornsak Uwanno said he would propose that an additional question – should Thailand set up a “national reconciliation government” – be added to the national referendum on the draft charter. For reconciliation to be achieved, such a government would require support from at least four-fifths or 360 out of 450 MPs, he pointed out.
If the CDC agrees to this proposal, he will submit it to the chiefs of the National Reform Council (NRC) and National Legislative Assembly for consideration, Borwornsak, who is also deputy NRC chairman, said.
The CDC also decided to write a provisional clause giving authority to the National Strategic Reform and Reconciliation Commission to restore peace and unity in a time of crisis, in addition to its authority to work on reform and reconciliation.
“Under such a government, selected senators will continue with national reform, as well as such the authority given to the strategic committee on reform and reconciliation all will lead to full democracy,” CDC chairman said.
“With such a government, selected senators will continue with national reform, and with the authority given to the strategic panel, it should lead to full democracy,” CDC chairman said.
