Politics Anutin Out, Prasert In: Cabinet Revamp Shifts Interior Power

[webfact]

Anutin Charnvirakul. Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Prasert Jantararuangtong is lined up to succeed Bhumjaithai's Anutin Charnvirakul as Thailand's next interior minister. This anticipated shift is part of a fresh cabinet overhaul speculated to occur later this month. The move hints at a potential change in power dynamics within the coalition government led by Pheu Thai.

 

Prasert currently serves as deputy prime minister with a focus on digital economy and society under the Pheu Thai party. His expected promotion follows Thaksin Shinawatra's remarks on the lack of reach of populist policies under Anutin’s leadership.

 

The interior ministry is a strategic position, wielding influence at provincial levels, with authority over local officials, including governors and village leaders, making it key in shaping upcoming election strategies.

 

As the father of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s comments highlight the importance of bolstering Pheu Thai’s electoral footing with an imminent general election a few years away.

 

Though the interior ministry's alignment is expected to return under Pheu Thai’s control, it seems likely that Bhumjaithai, led by de facto chief Newin Chidchob, will remain an integral part of the coalition rather than pivoting to join the opposition.

 

Prasert Janararuangtong. Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

To offset the interior ministry’s shift, speculation suggests Newin's faction might secure the public health ministry. Anutin, linked to this role from previous government stints, might find himself back at the ministry he once oversaw. The expected shuffle underscores ongoing strategic adjustments ahead of Thailand’s political landscape evolution.

 

Despite these changes, the coalition seeks to balance internal dynamics, retaining mutual support and maintaining parliamentary stability. As the government prepares for the future, these realignments are crucial to presenting a united front while addressing national policy goals.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-04

 

 

[ukrules]

Crumbling coalition?

[JAG]

24 minutes ago, webfact said:

To offset the interior ministry’s shift, speculation suggests Newin's faction might secure the public health ministry. Anutin, linked to this role from previous government stints, might find himself back at the ministry he once oversaw.

Makes sense - after all, one hardly wants to waste all those doctors shirts!

[Dan O]

1 hour ago, ukrules said:

Crumbling coalition?

I suspect its a power play to be able to lean on the officials at the local level to  "create" support with the populace in future elections.

[redwood1]

So is Prasert Janararuangtong a weed smoker like Anutin or not ? 

[topt]

Yet only yesterday was this article -

 

[sammieuk1]

So he was gay' all along🤔

[redwood1]

6 minutes ago, topt said:

Yet only yesterday was this article -

 

 

This is just like Miss Muffet 100% guaranteeing every one will get their 10,000 baht the day before it was canceled.... 

[mfd101]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

with an imminent general election a few years away.

Mmmmm, hard to work that one out.

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, mfd101 said:

Mmmmm, hard to work that one out.

 

There will be a coup long before that, so no reason to overthink it.

[davb]

I think this is good news for keeping cannabis legal.

[Artisi]

18 minutes ago, davb said:

I think this is good news for keeping cannabis legal.

Isn't Thailand lucky that this is the only major concern facing the survival of the country.

[John Drake]

Shins continue to get everything they want. They've now completely outmaneuvered everyone. Say what you will, but Prayuth was better.

[JemJem]

59 minutes ago, John Drake said:

Shins continue to get everything they want. They've now completely outmaneuvered everyone. Say what you will, but Prayuth was better.

 

I am not sure if Prayuth was better, but you are right in what you wrote in your first 2 sentences. Do you think the Shins will be in power for many many more years to come (I mean, even after the next election) ? 

[ujayujay]

5 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

So he was gay' all along🤔

This gay topic seems to appeal to you

[Bruce Aussie]

2 hours ago, Artisi said:

Isn't Thailand lucky that this is the only major concern facing the survival of the country.

Best thing since sliced bread. 😀

[John Drake]

25 minutes ago, JemJem said:

 

I am not sure if Prayuth was better, but you are right in what you wrote in your first 2 sentences. Do you think the Shins will be in power for many many more years to come (I mean, even after the next election) ? 

 

The government is now a family owned business. In perpetuity. 

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, ukrules said:

Crumbling coalition?

Were they ever co-cohesive ?

[RayOday]

"His expected promotion follows Thaksin Shinawatra's remarks on the lack of reach of populist policies under Anutin’s leadership."

 

Need I say more about this rats nest?

 

[Thingamabob]

3 hours ago, davb said:

I think this is good news for keeping cannabis legal.

 

3 hours ago, davb said:

I think this is good news for keeping cannabis legal.

Maybe I'm missing your point but why would Anutin's removal from the interior ministry keep cannabis legal ? Rather the reverse I would think. It's Anutin's business after all. 

[phil2407]

Daddy speaks his mind obliged daughter- whatever you say Daddy even though not allowed involved with politics- was all my own idea actually- honestly 😂

both should be in jail & PT banned from politics 

can’t see Anutin taking this (bent over trousers round his ankles) as thought he had most of the power in senate !?

 

[Screaming]

Anutin, head of the Bhumjaithai Party is corrupt and complacent in the illegal voting of senators aligned with his party. He needs to be removed and face criminal action. 

[kingstonkid]

6 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Mmmmm, hard to work that one out.

Why do I think there's a typo should be months not years.

Remember BJT has the elites and the military backing.

 

Anutin is not going to be happy 

 

Wait for the casino vote.

[Krabi King]

33 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

 

Maybe I'm missing your point but why would Anutin's removal from the interior ministry keep cannabis legal ? Rather the reverse I would think. It's Anutin's business after all. 

 It's the health minister's department. And since he legalised it when he was in that position it looks like there are some deals done between Bhumjai and the Shins party. Maybe Anutin needs to take care of the medical debacle Thaksin is in, in exchange for keeping cannabis legal as it is.

😑🫱🏻‍🫲🏼🤗

[Thingamabob]

6 minutes ago, Krabi King said:

 It's the health minister's department. And since he legalised it when he was in that position it looks like there are some deals done between Bhumjai and the Shins party. Maybe Anutin needs to take care of the medical debacle Thaksin is in, in exchange for keeping cannabis legal as it is.

😑🫱🏻‍🫲🏼🤗

Good point.

[Burma Bill]

4 hours ago, davb said:

I think this is good news for keeping cannabis legal.

  Not really. Are you not familiar with Thaksin's anti-drugs stance? Maybe Cannabis will be re-criminalised now that Anutin has been moved - I hope so!

[spidermike007]

Anutin is corrupt, an army proxy, totally compromised, incompetent, and a stain on the nation. His is way past the sell by date. Good riddens.

[1duckyboy]

So Anutin will be the health minister again just as Covid is approaching round two. Does no one remember the fiasco Thailand's handling of the Covid pandemic was when he was the health minister before?

[AustinRacing]

Can someone tell us how many Deputy Prime Ministers does Thailand have?

[chondan]

16 hours ago, JAG said:

Makes sense - after all, one hardly wants to waste all those doctors shirts!

That is a good one.  Made my day.