Pheu Thai slams PM’s ‘out of control’ powers after reshuffle
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha should have thought twice before using his absolute Article 44 powers to transfer the director-general of the Department of Employment, a Pheu Thai Party figure said on Thursday.
Anusorn Eiamsa-ard, the party’s acting deputy spokesperson, said the use of the power was “out of control” to the point that Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul, whom had been appointed by Prayut himself, could not tolerate the decision and decided to lead his team’s resignations.
On Wednesday, Prayut used his sweeping powers to issue an order to move the department’s former director-general, Varanon Peetiwan, to the post of deputy permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry.
The order was followed by the sudden resignation of Sirichai and three others from the ministry.
Anusorn called on Sirichai to explain the reasons for his resignation, aside from speculation about the slow registration of migrant workers.
The new migrant law promulgated in June was partially suspended after turmoil in the labour market, related to articles that would punish employers who hired unregistered foreign workers with Bt400,000 to Bt800,000 fines per worker.
Employers have until the end of the year to register all of their workers before the law is fully enforced.
Anusorn said the new requirement could increase the capital burden for employers despite the decelerating economy. “The government can’t just blame this on civil servants, but should also take responsibility,” he added.