Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, has firmly declined a proposal from the Pheu Thai Party regarding the release of the “Interior Minister 1” position. The proposal, which suggested an adjustment to the current cabinet, was rejected without hesitation, eliminating the need for a 48-hour consideration period typically afforded in such political negotiations.

According to Thai News Agency, the decision came after Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, tasked Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, the Prime Minister’s Secretary-General, with meeting Anutin at the Ministry of the Interior. The meeting aimed to negotiate an increase in the ministerial quota from one Minister of Public Health to one Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. Despite the offer, Anutin promptly rejected the proposal, maintaining his stance against the alteration.

Upon receiving Anutin’s clear refusal, Dr. Prommin immediately reported back to Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the Prime Minister’s father. This feedback initiated a cabinet reshuffle process within the Pheu Thai Party, with expectations of securing two additional seats. The reshuffle, dubbed the “Paethongtarn 2 Cabinet,” is anticipated to be completed by the end of the week, with Friday, June 20, 2025, as the earliest possible date for finalization.

The Pheu Thai Party is actively working on redistributing the cabinet seats and preparing a list of ministerial nominees for royal endorsement. Notably, this list will exclude ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party. Meanwhile, there are plans for some groups to visit former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Hong Kong over the weekend, aligning with her birthday celebrations.