Major Cabinet Reshuffle On The Way

[george]

Major reshuffle on the way

BANGKOK: -- A cabinet reshuffle is likely after Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's birthday on Tuesday, a source who is a core member of Thai Rak Thai said yesterday.

The reshuffle would be a major one. It had been delayed because Mr Thaksin had not been able to convince outsiders to take over the Finance and Commerce ministries.

Air force chief ACM Kongsak Wantana was likely to become a deputy prime minister, the source said. Mr Thaksin had wanted him as defence minister, but there was opposition from the military.

Commerce Minister Thanong Bidaya was still most likely to take over the Transport Ministry, while Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit would be made a deputy prime minister.

The source said the prime minister was looking to an outsider for the commerce portfolio. If he failed to get the person he wanted, Deputy Foreign Minister Preecha Laohapongchana was likely to get the job.

In this case, Vichet Kasemthongsri, former deputy transport minister, would be made deputy commerce minister.

Energy Minister Viset Choopiban was likely to be replaced by Pongsak Raktapongpaisal, former industry minister.

Mr Thaksin said yesterday before leaving for England that a reshuffle was necessary because of the problems in the South, rising oil prices and the economic slump, which demanded the government take a offensive stance.

He would take four days off during the long holiday to take his daughter Pinthongtha to England where she would continue her studies.

Today is Asanha Bucha Day and tomorrow is Khao Pansa, which marks the start of Buddhist Lent.

--Bangkok Post 2005-07-21