PM backs Suphajee as 18 ministers face no-confidence motion
Opposition lawmakers question Suphajee’s record on living costs, while Thailand’s prime minister insists her removal would also mean his.
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has strongly defended Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, stating that if she were to be replaced, he would also have to be replaced.
- The defense comes as Suphajee is one of 18 ministers facing an opposition no-confidence motion, which specifically targets her for allegedly failing to address the cost-of-living crisis.
- The Prime Minister emphasized his personal confidence in Suphajee, a minister he recruited from outside politics, amid speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun on 22 October 2026, declaring that replacing her would also mean replacing him. Suphajee is among 18 ministers named in an opposition no-confidence motion, amid speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle.
“She did not ask me to make her a minister. I was the one who asked her to become a minister. So if Suphajee is replaced, the prime minister must be replaced too,” Anutin said.
Anutin defends minister he personally recruited
Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, described Suphajee as a key member and one of the pillars of his government.
Anutin first recruited Suphajee to help run the country during his previous administration. For his second government, Anutin invited her to become deputy prime minister and commerce minister, overseeing work involving marketing, commerce, the economy and industry.
Suphajee was one of three ministers recruited from outside politics to Anutin’s Cabinet and was given freedom to carry out her work.
Anutin also criticised reports predicting which ministers would lose their positions, warning that such speculation could undermine the morale of people carrying out their duties. His defence of Suphajee made clear his confidence in a minister he had personally chosen.
Opposition targets Suphajee’s cost-of-living record
Opposition lawmakers included Suphajee in their no-confidence motion against 18 ministers under Section 151 of the Constitution. The allegations against the commerce minister centre on what the opposition describes as her lack of a clear role in addressing the cost-of-living crisis.
The opposition has accused Suphajee of being “absent” from efforts to tackle expensive goods. The criticism puts the Commerce Ministry’s handling of prices and household expenses under scrutiny, alongside its responsibility to balance the interests of producers, traders and consumers.
Suphajee said her inclusion in the motion was not unexpected, acknowledging that the opposition had a duty to scrutinise the government. She viewed the debate as an opportunity to explain her work to the public.
Although Suphajee would be facing her first no-confidence debate as a minister, she maintained that she was not troubled by the prospect and would continue working normally.
Suphajee rejects speculation she is giving up
Speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle has extended to claims that the Commerce Ministry could be allocated to the Kla Tham Party in return for joining the governing coalition. Suphajee said she knew no details of the reports and was not concerned about a reshuffle, which was a matter for the prime minister.
Anutin’s public backing addresses the immediate uncertainty surrounding Suphajee’s position, but the opposition’s challenge concerns her economic performance, particularly the handling of prices and household costs.
Anutin’s statement expresses his current support for Suphajee without providing a permanent guarantee against a future reshuffle. Cabinet changes remain within the prime minister’s authority, and political circumstances can change.
Suphajee maintained that she had not lost heart and was continuing to work every day, leaving any decision on ministerial appointments to Anutin.
