Minor Cabinet Reshuffle Likely

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Minor cabinet reshuffle likely : PM

By The Nation

Published on October 7, 2009

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday hinted at the possibility of a small-scale Cabinet reshuffle in the wake of the resignation by his secretary-general, Niphon Promphan.

He said things would become clear next week as to whether Niphon's departure would lead to changes in his Cabinet line-up as some of the current members might have to replace Niphon, who is also a Democrat Party deputy leader.

Abhisit reiterated that the new secretary-general would be named within this week and that it would be clear next week if filling the seat would require changes in the Cabinet.

There has been speculation that Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu would be appointed as the PM's next secretary-general and that Korbsak would be replaced as deputy premier in charge of economic affairs by a fellow Democrat veteran.

The prime minister said yesterday that if Korbsak is appointed his next secretary-general, there will be a need to find his replacement in the Cabinet. He said there had been no talk of a large-scale Cabinet reshuffle.

When asked to clarify further about a number of questions remaining unanswered, Abhisit repeatedly responded, "Next week".

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban rejected as groundless yesterday media reports that he opposed fellow Democrat veteran Trairong Suwankhiri to become deputy premier in charge of economic affairs if Korbsak is appointed new secretary-general to the PM.

Suthep said that given Trairong's experience and qualifications, he saw no problems for him to become the deputy premier in charge of economic affairs.

"Suppose I could vote for only one person, I will pick Dr Trairong," he said, denying reports that he was backing other Democrat figures.

Suthep clarified that there was no personal grudge between Niphon and Abhisit, who is the Democrat leader.

"Niphon still has his love and good wishes for the prime minister. And he said that whatever he can do to help with the prime minister's work, he will do it," said Suthep.

-- The Nation 2009/10/07