The Chart Pattana Party has passed a resolution that its leader Tewan Liptapanlop should resign from the position of Prime Minister's Office minister, party adviser Suwat Liptapanlop said on Monday.
Mr Suwat, chairman of the party's advisory committee, said Mr Tewan would submit his resignation to Distat Hotrakitya, the prime minister's secretary-general, at 1pm on Monday.
It would take effect on Tuesday.
Mr Suwat said the party's decision that Mr Tewan resign would help pave the way for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to reshuffle the cabinet without any worries.
It was a sacrifice by the party so the country could move forward, not a sign of conflict, and would not affect the government's stability because Chart Pattana would remain in the coalition.
As a coalition member, Chart Pattana has a quota of one cabinet position.
Mr Tewan said he had not been under pressure to resign. He would be complying with a resolution of the party's executive committee.
He denied any knowledge of reports that government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat of the Palang Pracharath Party would be his replacement.
Mr Tewan will be the fifth minister to resign. He follows Somkid Jatusripital, who was deputy prime minister, Uttama Savanayana, who was finance minister, Sontirat Sontijirawong, who was energy minister, and Suvit Maesincee, who held the higher education, science, research and innovation portfolio.
