Social Development and Human Security Minister Santi Prompat and Pheu Thai list MP Prawat Uttamote will face off today at a Pheu Thai-hosted meeting aimed at mending a rift between the two.
The row between Mr Prawat and Mr Santi erupted after the cabinet approved Mr Santi's proposal to transfer permanent secretary for social development and human security Panita Kambhu na Ayutthaya to an inactive post on March 13 to pave the way for a probe into her alleged misspending of a 32 million baht fund for overseas travel.
Mrs Panita is an elder sister of Mr Prawat.
The lightning transfer irked Mr Prawat, who said the move had damaged his sister's reputation.
Mr Prawat had a quarrel with Mr Santi shortly after the transfer.
Mr Prawat last week accused Mr Santi of abuse of power and demanded the minister step down.
He also threatened to hold a signature campaign to back Mr Santi's ouster.
Mr Prawat's move prompted the Pheu Thai Party to intervene.
Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday said he believed the row would be settled at today's talks, which will be chaired by Pheu Thai MP chief Apiwan Wiriyachai.
He rejected criticism the conflict would develop into a rift in the ruling party.
"The two only have different points of view. This is not a rift," Mr Prompong said.
However, he said he would like both sides to stop talking in public about the matter to prevent public confusion.
"The matter should be discussed within the party, not outside," he said.
A government-appointed committee, chaired by PM's Office permanent secretary Thongthong Chandrangsu, has been investigating Mrs Panita's alleged misconduct and both sides should wait for the probe findings, Mr Prompong said.
Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit yesterday said he was confident the conflict would not escalate into a rift among Pheu Thai MPs.
He said the party would respect the result of the Thongthong panel's investigation.