Thai PM’s power play: Srettha hints at defence portfolio addition

[webfact]

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drops hints of an unprecedented power move, hinting at the possibility of adding the defence portfolio to his already hefty workload. This bombshell revelation comes amidst swirling speculations about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle that could reshape Thailand’s political landscape.

 

Addressing a curious press pool after the delayed Cabinet meeting, the 62 year old PM, wearing a cryptic smile, kept the door wide open for speculation.

 

“At this second, I’m still the prime minister and finance minister.”

Amidst whispers of potential portfolio swaps, including the Finance Ministry passing hands to trusted aide Pichai Chunhavajira, and Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang facing a possible exit, the political arena is abuzz with anticipation, reported The Nation.

But the PM remains tight-lipped on the specifics, deftly dodging questions about the timing of any potential handover.

“I think everything will depend on chance and time.”

 

ORIGINAL STORY: Thai party quashes Cabinet reshuffle rumours

 

A wave of rumours surrounding a potential Cabinet reshuffle in Thailand was quashed yesterday by the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party.

 

The party’s Deputy Leader and list MP, Wittaya Kaewparadai, stated that despite talks circulating for over a month, no indications of an imminent reshuffle have been communicated by the prime minister.

 

Wittaya, referring to UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, pointed out that any plans to alter the Cabinet line-up would be shared with the leaders of the coalition parties by the prime minister. The premier’s intentions behind a reshuffle would also be discussed, allowing partners to make appropriate decisions.

 

“As of now, the prime minister has not sent any signals.”

 

The UTN Party deputy further highlighted that all of UTN’s ministers were competent and there were no allegations against them that could potentially damage the government’s reputation.

 

Rumours of a reshuffle, Wittaya suggested, might be fuelled by politicians aspiring for a Cabinet position. He hinted at the possibility of some former Cabinet ministers from the ruling Pheu Thai Party wanting to make a comeback.

 

“However, the prime minister holds the power to reshuffle the Cabinet. If he doesn’t initiate it, it won’t take place.”

 

In addition to quashing rumours, Wittaya reassured that the government was not entangled in any corruption scandals. He added that the opposition would not be targeting any minister suspected of graft in the upcoming general debate.

 

Meanwhile, the Move Forward Party (MFP) urged the government to heed MFP chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat’s call for a Cabinet reshuffle. MFP spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu appealed to the prime minister to assess his cabinet’s performance. He suggested the premier consider necessary changes, as put forth by Pita.

 

Parit stressed that the MFP was less concerned about the individuals appointed to the Cabinet and more focused on the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and implement policies. Regardless of who gets appointed to the Cabinet, the party would continue its close monitoring and scrutiny of the government, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Heightened speculation of an impending Cabinet shake-up was triggered when Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin advised the media to stay alert for possible changes, stirring the rumour mill into overdrive.

 

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of X @Thavisin

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19

 

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[brianthainess]

7 minutes ago, webfact said:

62 year old PM, wearing a cryptic smile, kept the door  mouth wide open for speculation.

There fixed it.

[Tropicalevo]

7 minutes ago, webfact said:

hinting at the possibility of adding the defence portfolio to his already hefty workload

Oh no.

He will want to have two Chinese submarines, a couple more frigates and a run around for himself.

[brianthainess]

12 minutes ago, webfact said:

“At this second, I’m still the prime minister and finance minister.”

12 minutes ago, webfact said:

deftly dodging questions about the timing of any potential handover.

“I think everything will depend on chance and time.”

Chancer you are for sure.

13 minutes ago, webfact said:

He hinted at the possibility of some former Cabinet ministers from the ruling Pheu Thai Party wanting to make a comeback.

Oooh I wonder who that could possibly be? 

[JoePai]

Explain how sitting in a plane for most of the week constitutes :

 

to his already hefty workload

[Korat Kiwi]

Will the real PM please stand up

 

 

Or

 

[hotchilli]

17 hours ago, webfact said:

“At this second, I’m still the prime minister and finance minister.”

Add to the above "defense minister" and Thaksins proxy puppet will be at the mercy of the shin clan, and do as he's told.

[klauskunkel]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

an unprecedented power move

hardly unprecedented, Prayut was PM and Defense Minister

[spidermike007]

You take an absolute incompetent with no talent in the field of leadership, you make him an unelected  prime minister of Thailand, you then add in the task of foreign minister of which he has zero talent and zero experience, and then you consider adding in the task of Defense Minister of which the man knows nothing, and what would the result be?

 

Just a cauldron of confusion and conflicting interests, corruption and a horrific outcome. Anything this man touches turns to crap, he's shown that already as a failed PM. Why on earth would he be given an additional appointment? 

 

More filthy politics. More backward, regressive movement. Thailand is really losing its place in the world. 

[PETERTHEEATER]

On 4/19/2024 at 6:42 AM, brianthainess said:

Chancer you are for sure.

Oooh I wonder who that could possibly be? 

Time, and lots of it, will tell.....🙂

[scorecard]

On 4/19/2024 at 12:42 PM, brianthainess said:

Chancer you are for sure.

Oooh I wonder who that could possibly be? 

I'll go first: TS. Not currently an mp but why see that as a roadblock, there's a million ways to twist that into a positive, I'm sure.

Gen P could help no doubt. 

Edited April 20 by scorecard

[fondue zoo]

He is either willfully not understanding his true position or it's a "the show must go on" thing.

Doesn't matter either way but I'd guess a little from column A and a little from column B.

 

Still, have to keep in mind politicians at his level are surrounded by a crew of sycophants all telling them "good job" and "that's a great idea". They're only human after all and we are a gullible breed.

Edited April 20 by fondue zoo