Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to be named Defence Minister in the new Thai Cabinet. - The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: The Pheu Thai Party is working on the list of Cabinet nominees under new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with existing ministers and deputy ministers from Srettha Thavisin’s administration making up most of the candidates, although some will be assigned to different positions.
The ruling party is expected to fill its quota of 17 minister and deputy minister positions in the next couple of days, a Pheu Thai source said on Wednesday (Aug 21).
The source said that there is a high possibility that Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will be named Defence Minister, with Prasert Chantararuangthong, the current Digital Economy and Society Minister, replacing him in his former position.
Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong is expected to fill Prasert’s seat as DES Minister, the source added.
Deputy PM and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira should retain his finance portfolio but will lose his deputy PM position.
Those who are expected to remain in their current positions include: Suriya Jungrungreangkit (Deputy PM and Transport Minister), Manaporn Charoensri (Deputy Transport Minister), Surapong Piyachote (Deputy Transport Minister), Paopoom Rojanasakul (Deputy Finance Minister), Julapun Amornvivat (Deputy Finance Minister), Sermsak Pongpanich (Tourism and Sports Minister), Somsak Thepsutin (Public Health Minister), Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol (Culture Minister), and Jiraporn Sindhuprai (PM Office Minister).
Confirmed newcomers are Choosak Sirinin and Theerarat Samrejvanich, who are being considered for PM Office Minister positions, according to the source.
Four ministers and deputy ministers who will most likely no longer be in the cabinet are Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, PM Office Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, and Deputy Interior Minister Kriang Kantinan. - The Nation/ANN
