Somkid calls mass PPRP resignation ‘unfortunate’, casts doubt on his future in Cabinet

“It is hard to say whether I will continue working for this Cabinet in the future,” said Somkid, who heads the government economics team that also includes former PPRP leader and Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan is now tipped to replace Uttama as leader of the PPRP after weeks of rumoured party infighting between factions.
Somkid also said that the mass resignation of party executives was an internal issue that the executives need to discuss.
“However, it is unfortunate, since they could have used their power to help this country” he said, adding that many citizens would face suffering from various issues in the future. The mass resignation came after Parliament approved three decrees worth about Bt1.9 trillion to tackle the impact of Covid-19.
He also told reporters that he did not know what the effect a reshuffle of party executives – most of whom are members of the government’s economic team – would have on the government.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Ittipol Khunplueem said most PPRP members would back Prawit as the party’s new leader because they believe he has leadership qualities. 
PPRP’s secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong warned that the core coalition party should not be fractured at this time of crisis, because people may think that politicians are trying to benefit from the situation. 
“Our representatives have the opportunity to reform an outdated political system. There will be no meaning left if politicians refuse to change. They should learn to put people first before they consider personal gains,” he said.