Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra remained tight-lipped about possible cabinet changes on Wednesday, but sources in the Pheu Thai Party confirmed a reshuffle is in the works with her brother, Thaksin, playing a major role.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra walks pass reporters to attend an anti-drug campaign at Government House without saying a word on a reshuffle of her cabinet. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
''Not today please. Please wait for the right time,'' Ms Yingluck told reporters at Government House where she chaired an anti-drug campaign meting, during which the prime minister floated the concept of a drug-free region by 2015, an issue needing to be discussed with neighbouring countries.
But the media focus was on a cabinet reshuffle after speculation some Pheu Thai members were ordered to submit their qualifications and work reports for checking on Tuesday night.
Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he was not aware of any changes pending. But if the speculation were true, the ruling party's policies would not be affected.
"Whoever is appointed as a new minister, he or she has to follow the policies set by the party,'' he said.
Rumours of a reshuffle are not unexpected because the government will have been in office two years in August this year.
However, with the government battling news of the the huge 136 billion baht loss in the first year of the rice pledging scheme, leading to a drop in its popularity, its opponents are predicting cabinet portfolio changes sooner rather than later.
A source in the Pheu Thai Party said there could be major changes affecting at least 10 seats, as advised by Thaksin. It will be settled by the end of next month, the source added.
The likely victims are still unclear, but on the radar is Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, who is responsible for the rice scheme. Other possible changes include the interior portfolio held by Pheu Thai leader Charupong Ruangsuwan. Justice Minister Pracha Promnok could also be on the way out, the source said.
Thaksin has promised a cabinet post for Jatuporn Prompan, a leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship. However, Pheu Thai sources were uncertain about his chances this time.
Another source said changes would give opportunities for people with better experience to work with Ms Yingluck.