Cabinet reshuffle on the cards after sudden exit of newly appointed finance minister
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is expected to reshuffle the Cabinet of his coalition government soon after Finance Minister Predee Daochai resigned on September 1 less than a month after his appointment, according to a source in the ruling Palang Pracharat Party.
Predee, a former chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association, cited health reasons for his abrupt departure from the Finance Ministry, but some observers believe he had a conflict with his deputy over the annual promotion of senior officials at the ministry.
A Palang Pracharat source said that Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow, who is also deputy prime minister, is a candidate for finance minister.
If Supattanapong gets the nod, he will have two posts -- deputy prime minister and finance minister.
Deputy Finance Minister Santi Prompat is expected to replace Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit who is tipped to become energy minister.
Deputy Labour Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat is likely deputy finance minister while an MP from the Palang Pracharat will become deputy labour minister, according to the source.
The Palang Pracharat MP's name has been proposed to party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also deputy prime minister.
The Cabinet reshuffle is expected within this month or early next month, according to the source.