PPRP considering executive board overhaul

PPRP considering executive board overhaul

Prawit: Shake-up on the cards
Prawit: Shake-up on the cards

The ruling Palang Pracharath Party is mulling a reshuffle of its executive board, a move which could see its secretary-general replaced.

PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon said he was thinking about altering the party's executive line-up although he said that now was not the time for the changes.

Patcharin Samsiripoing, a Bangkok MP and party spokeswoman, also confirmed a reshuffle was being considered.

It was being discussed among the executives with a restructuring to be unveiled "soon", she said.

She insisted a modified line-up would be in line with the party's strategy and policies. The spokeswoman declined to say what executive posts would be affected by the reshuffle.

However, PPRP deputy leader Wirach Ratanasate said on Tuesday he has heard nothing from the PPRP leader about an internal reshuffle.

However, the government chief whip added he did not think a shake-up would go so far as replacing Thamanat Prompow as the party secretary-general.

Capt Thamanat upset Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after he allegedly plotted to unseat him in the last no-confidence debate. Gen Prayut subsequently removed him as deputy agriculture minister.

As a result, Capt Thamanat's position in the party, according to political sources, is not secure. It has been reported Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin has emerged as a favourite to replace him.

Mr Wirach also said if executive post changes are thought through carefully, they should go ahead. Conversely, if any changes were likely to create problems for the party, they should be put on the back burner, he added.

The speculation about a reshuffle gained traction after Gen Prayut summoned core members of the PPRP's factions -- including Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin, Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, PM's Office Minister Anucha Nakasai and Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat -- to a meeting at Goverment House on Monday.

It is believed the meeting touched on several issues including a possible internal reshuffle which will pave the way for the election of the entire board.

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