The new labour minister may not necessarily be a soldier, according to Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn, as other military ministers indicated their readiness to bow out of the cabinet.
The shape of any cabinet reshuffle, whether it is a major or limited one, rests with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. "He doesn't need to ask ministers before replacing them," Gen Tanasak said on Monday.
Last week, Gen Sirichai Distakul resigned as labour minister shortly after Employment Department chief Varanon Peetiwan was transferred under the prime minister's sweeping Section 44 order to become deputy labour permanent secretary, a post deemed less active. The transfer was reportedly because of his slow response in implementing labour policies. Gen Prayut said Gen Sirichai resigned to pursue business interests.
Gen Sirichai's successor does not need to be another soldier, said Gen Tanasak, referring to growing speculation that Gen Prayut plans to form a new cabinet with more civilians so as to appear less military dominated ahead of the next general election expected at the end of next year.
He said he did not know whether the National Council for Peace and Order would discuss a cabinet reshuffle at its weekly meeting Tuesday.
It was reported earlier that Gen Boonyod Boonyathikarn had stepped down as chairman of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand. The resignation raised speculation he might be vying for a cabinet post. However, Gen Tanasak said Gen Boonyod had told him he had not been approached about a cabinet position.
Agriculture Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya said Monday he was ready to be replaced.
Gen Chatchai could be at risk of losing his cabinet post due to accusations he was appointed to head the "A-grade" ministry because he has close ties with Gen Prayut, according to a government source.
Chatchai: Hold on job 'uncertain'
The general also acknowledged the accusation, saying some people think he was given the cabinet post because he was Gen Prayut's friend. However, he said friendship never interferes with work.
"I'm a soldier. I'll go back the way I came if he [Gen Prayut] doesn't assign me a cabinet duty to do," Gen Chatchai said.
He said the prime minister has not said anything about removing him. "But he could be mulling over [changes to the cabinet line-up]," the agriculture minister said.
Gen Chatchai said his critics sometimes unfairly judged his performance as minister.
The minister said Gen Prayut and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon might have discussed culling some soldiers from the cabinet.
The prime minister had never reprimanded him over his work although Gen Chatchai admitted his ministry has been weak on public relations. As a soldier, he would comply with a superior's order to axe him. "I have been wanting to take a break for a long time," he said.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Gen Anantaporn Kanjanarat said he has not received any indication from the premier that a shake-up is on the cards.
Deputy Prime Minister ACM Prajin Juntong, however, admitted Gen Prayut had consulted all the deputy prime ministers about a cabinet reshuffle last week.
Turning to the possibility of Gen Chatchai losing his job at the Agriculture Ministry, ACM Prajin said various agencies were cooperating in trying to lift crop prices, including rubber.
The ministry has been under pressure from growers who have suffered from falling rubber prices.
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on the government to come clean and explain the real reason for Gen Sirichai's resignation.