Bangkok: Anutin’s cabinet reshuffle, initiated following Thammanat’s appointment to oversee tourism, has led to a significant redistribution within the Bhumjaithai Party’s cabinet positions. Chaichanok will now head the Ministry of Defence, while Sabida will lead the Ministry of Culture. Notably, the reshuffle opens up the opportunity for outsiders to join the Defense and Justice departments, with rumors circulating about a Police Lieutenant General, a former Deputy Commander of Region 3, being on the list. Sakda is also under close observation as Niphon reportedly advocates for his daughter to step into a ministerial role.
According to Thai News Agency, the latest cabinet list reveals that the Bhumjaithai Party will hold the majority of ministerial seats, securing approximately 12 positions. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul will assume the dual role of Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, with Mr. Songsak Thongsri appointed as Deputy Minister of the Interior. Ms. Sabida Thaiset takes on the responsibility of Minister of Culture, while Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, the party’s secretary-general, becomes the Minister of Digital Economy and Society.
Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul is set to lead the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The Prime Minister’s Office will see appointments of Ms. Supamas Isaraphakdi and Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will serve as Minister of Transport, with Mr. Naphin Srisanpang as Deputy Minister of Transport.
The reshuffle also includes outsider quotas, with Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew nominated for Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphas for Minister of Finance, Mr. Atthaphon Rerkpiboon for Minister of Energy, and Mr. Woraphak Thanyawong as Deputy Minister of Finance. The role of Minister of Justice remains an outsider’s quota, with speculation pointing towards a police officer who previously held the position of deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 3.
Within the Kla Tham Party, Capt. Thammanat Prompao has transitioned from Minister of Defense to Minister of Tourism and Sports. Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn has been appointed Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat as Minister of Education, and Mr. Akara Prompao as Minister of Social Development and Human Security. Mr. Pai Lik and Mr. Samphan Mayuso will serve as Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Cooperatives, while Mr. Ong-at Wongprayoon takes on the role of Deputy Minister of Education.
The Palang Pracharath Party has secured four seats, with current appointments including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, and Trinuch Thienthong as Minister of Labor, while two other deputy ministerial roles are yet to be confirmed.
Mr. Suchart Chomklin’s faction will receive three seats, with Suchart appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. His close associate, Petty Officer 1st Class Yotsingh Liamlert, will become Minister of Industry, and Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkhongchana will assume the position of Deputy Minister of the Interior.
Sakda Wichiensilp’s group has been allocated one ministerial quota, which Sakda will occupy. Naris Khamnurak has been granted a deputy ministerial position, though his specific role remains unspecified. Nipit Bunyamanee’s group will fill a deputy ministerial position with Nipit’s daughter, Ms. Nitiya Bunyamanee.
The reshuffle sees all former Bhumjaithai Party ministers retaining positions in Anutin’s first cabinet. This strategic move reflects Lt. Col. Thammanat’s desire to shift his focus from the Ministry of Defense to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, prompting realignment within the cabinet.