Anupong, Prawit will survive rejig, PM insists

Anupong, Prawit will survive rejig, PM insists

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has confirmed that his deputy Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda are still his cabinet members. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has confirmed that his deputy Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda are still his cabinet members. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has confirmed a cabinet reshuffle, with his deputy Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda due to remain in their current posts.

After much speculation, Gen Prayut said on Friday the reshuffle has been finalised with only some paperwork to be carried out before the official list is submitted for royal endorsement.

The new cabinet line-up should be revealed next month, the prime minister said.

He denied reports he would concurrently serve as defence minister after the reshuffle.

As the leader of the government, Gen Prayut said he has overseen all ministries and has initiated their policies and visions.

Asked if his deputy Gen Prawit, who also serves as the defence minister, will continue to keep his ministerial posts, Gen Prayut said both Gen Prawit and Gen Anupong would remain in place.

Gen Prayut also said Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chatchai Sarikulya will still feature in the new cabinet.

Gen Prawit, Gen Anupong and Gen Chatchai have been at the centre of criticism over several controversial projects under their supervision, including huge arms procurements, a plan to purchase expensive speed guns and a drop in crop prices.

The prime minister dismissed rumours that national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda would be appointed as a new cabinet minister.

Gen Prayut said he saw no need to bring Pol Gen Chakthip into the cabinet as he has already done a commendable job as police chief.

"I did my best to bring in worthy people to boost confidence. But this does not mean the old ones are not good. However, Thai people tend to become bored easily so I have reshuffled the cabinet to please them," Gen Prayut said.

Meanwhile, Gen Chaicharn Changmongkol has reportedly tendered his resignation as a member of the National Legislative Assembly amid speculation the former permanent secretary for defence will be brought into the new cabinet.

Speculation has been rife that more than 10 cabinet posts will change hands, with Deputy Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong expected to be promoted to commerce minister, replacing Apiradi Tantraporn, while Deputy Agriculture Minister Chutima Bunyapraphasara tipped to be made deputy commerce minister.

Yukol Limlaemthong, a former agriculture minister during the former Yingluck Shinawatra administration, is tipped to be appointed agriculture minister replacing Gen Chatchai, who is expected to become labour minister.

Luck Wajananawat, the former president of the state-run Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, will reportedly be made deputy agriculture minister.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Suvit Maesincee has been tipped by observers to become science and technology minister, replacing Atchaka Sibunruang, while Somchai Harnhiran, a former Industry Ministry permanent secretary, is thought to be the frontrunner to take over as the deputy industry minister.

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