POLITICS
Veteran diplomat becomes foreign minister

BANGKOK: -- HM the King formally endorsed a cabinet reshuffle of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday which sees a new finance minister and a new deputy prime minister overseeing the economy.

The reshuffle is the first of the Prayut government that was installed in August last year after the Prayut-led May coup and it is aimed to improve the flaggering growth.

Apisak Tantivorawong, former president of state-owned Krung Thai Bank, has become finance minister, replacing Sommai Phasee.

A government adviser, Somkid Jatusripitak, who is also a former finance minister, has been appointed deputy prime minister in charge of reviving economic growth.

Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai replaces Tanasak Patimapragorn as the foreign minister. Tanasak however remains as deputy prime minister overseeing foreign affairs.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Veteran-diplomat-becomes-foreign-minister-30267058.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-20

Shuffling the unelected 'no mandate' deck

Unfortunately Somkid and I don't get on. The problem, I suspect, is that my ego is too small.

New cabinet announced



BANGKOK: -- The new cabinet of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was announced late Thursday afternoon after it was published in the Royal Gazette.

The new cabinet which is Gen Prayut’s third cabinet in less than two years in office after the military takeover in May last year saw 10 new faces, and one new deputy prime minister added.

It also saw two of his civilian deputy prime ministers MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, and Yongyut Yuthawong removed and replaced by one Air Force and one Navy top officers, ACM Prajin Juntong and Admiral Narong Pipatanasai.

Significantly is his economic team which was earlier supervised by MR Pridiyathorn.

Mr Somkid Chatusripitak was appointed to be new deputy prime minister and will take charge of the economic team.

The new cabinet also saw finance minister Sommai Phasee removed and replaced by Mr Apisak Tantiworawong.

Public health minister Dr Rachata Ratchatanavin was replaced by Mr Piyasakol Sakolsatayatorn.

Industry minister Chakramol Phasukvanich was replaced by Mrs Achaka Sibunruang.

Energy minister Narongchai Akraseranee was replaced by Gen Anantaporn Kanchanarat.

Commerce minister Gen Chatchai Salikalya was replaced by Mrs Apiradee Tantraporn as new commerce minister, but he was appointed new agriculture minister, replacing Mr Pitipong Pungboon na Ayutthaya who was moved out.

Foreign minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragon was replaced by his deputy Don Pramudwinai as new foreign minister. Gen Tanasak will become deputy prime minister.

Transport minister ACM Prajin Juntong becomes deputy prime minister. Mr Arkom Termpitayapaisit will replace ACM Prajin as new transport minister.

Education minister Admiral Narong Pipatanasai will be replaced by Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan as new education minister. Admiral Narong becomes deputy prime minister.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/new-cabinet-announced


-- Thai PBS 2015-08-20

A new dream team to remedy an economic nightmare. Best to scrap Thailand's economy for 2015 and plan for 2016.

A new dream team to remedy an economic nightmare. Best to scrap Thailand's economy for 2015 and plan for 2016.

Shuffling the unelected 'no mandate' deck

Seems to be a fad with Thai governments, shuffling the deck. Mandate or not.

Shuffling the unelected 'no mandate' deck

Well the last "elected" PTP used to have a reshuffle every six months or so.

Each time the country was told that the new team was highly qualified and was the best of the best.

Deputy prime minister in charge of reviving economic growth.

Deputy prime minister overseeing foreign affairs.

Lets not forget the Deputy foreign minister overseeing the Deputy foreign ministers.