Prayut assigns other members of Cabinet to act in place of four ministers resigning Tuesday
The deputy ministers of Industry and Commerce have been reassigned as acting ministers at the two ministries after Uttama Savanayana and Sontirat Sontijiirawong tendered their resignations in order to compete in the upcoming general election, Government Spokesman Putthipong Bunnagun said on Tuesday.
In addition, Pichet Durongkaveroj, who is digital economy and society minister, will concurrently serve as acting science and technology minister, following Suvit Maesincee’s resignation.
At the weekly Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that at the PM’s Office Ministry, whose minister had also resigned, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak would oversee Kobsak Pootrakool’s former responsibilities, the spokesman added.
Somchai Harnhirun will act in place of Uttama at the Industry Ministry, while Chutima Bunyapraphasara will serve in place of Sonthirat at the Commerce Ministry.
After weeks of criticism over possible conflicts of interest, the four ministers who were appointed as executives of the pro-junta Phalang Pracharat Party decided to resign from their ministerial positions this week.
The party will contest in the March 24 national election, and their continued positions in the General Prayut-led government had attracted criticism from other parties and the public.