Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha denies working on plans to reshuffle cabinet members or senior military officers following a rumour that three ministers in key army posts would be asked to resign.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha rejects rumours that three ministers are about to resign and that he is planning to replace them with his younger brother. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
The reports, which spread just before the New Year holiday, raised questions about a possible shakeup in the chain of command in the army, which is the key backup of the Prayut government.
The answer from Gen Prayut came back as "no" on Tuesday. He dismissed the rumour as groundless, saying he has no plans for personnel changes in the army or in his cabinet.
"Nobody will resign," Gen Prayut told reporters. "If I had wanted anyone to resign, I would not have made them ministers in the first place."
By law, the temporary charter allows military officers to be in charge of ministerial affairs.
According to Gen Prayut's observations, the army officers he has appointed as ministers are eager to move ahead with their dual roles.
He said they have raised no problems with occupying two jobs, which is possible to do with proper management of time and personnel.
Deputy army chief and Commerce Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya is among the three generals said to have been slated for ouster.
The other two are Justice Minister and Deputy Supreme Commander Gen Paiboon Koomchaya and Deputy Education Minister and army chief of staff Gen Surachet Chaiwong.
The rumour has led to speculation about who would succeed the officers, especially in the deputy army post.
In one report, assistant army chief Preecha Chan-o-cha, younger brother of Gen Prayut, was raised as a candidate for the post.
Gen Prayut said he will not interfere in army affairs, including promotions and transfers, because they will depend mainly on the army commander.
Army chief and Deputy Defence Minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr also hit out at the reports.
Though he was not among the three mentioned, a reporter asked whether the reports might also be aimed at pressuring him to resign.
"I don't feel any pressure," he said.
He added he has no problem with the additional responsibilities because the duties of his ministry and the army are closely related. He said whoever is spreading the rumours should stop as they could create fresh conflict in the country, which has already been through enough quarrels over power.
"I don't know where the rumour came from, but I want today to be its last day," Gen Udomdej said.
He said the country is still in unusual circumstances after the May 22 coup last year.
Although soldiers have prevented violence caused by political conflicts from breaking out on a large scale, the public's help is still needed to keep the peace, he said.