UTN Endorses Akanat for Ministerial Position
PUBLISHED: August 6, 2024, 08:02
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is prepared to consider a cabinet reshuffle, depending on the outcome of a pending Constitutional Court ruling next week.
This statement follows a proposal from Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the coalition United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, advocating for the inclusion of secretary-general Akanat Promphan in a vacant ministerial role allocated to the party.
“This month brings several matters involving the justice system… If a coalition party proposes a cabinet reshuffle, I am open to considering it, but not immediately due to the ongoing case before the Constitutional Court. We must respect the court’s process,” stated Mr. Srettha.
The Constitutional Court is set to rule on August 14 regarding Mr. Srettha’s continuation as prime minister, following criticism over his appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as PM’s Office Minister in the last cabinet reshuffle.
A petition for the prime minister’s dismissal was submitted in May by a group of 40 former senators, who argued that Pichit should not have been appointed due to his past conviction related to an attempt to bribe Supreme Court officials.
According to government sources, Mr. Pirapan, also serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister, sent a letter to Mr. Srettha, requesting consideration for a cabinet reshuffle.
A cabinet position under the party’s quota remains unfilled since Krisada Chinavicharana, a former UTN member, resigned as deputy finance minister.
In his letter, Mr. Pirapan expressed the party’s intention to nominate Mr. Akanat for any new ministerial post that may arise from these proposed changes.
Mr. Pirapan emphasized that Mr. Akanat, a UTN list MP, stands out as a qualified candidate for the vacant cabinet role, highlighting his positive election performance and exemplary parliamentary service.
Akkaradet Wongpitakroj, a UTN MP for Ratchaburi, confirmed that the available cabinet position aligns with Mr. Akanat’s qualifications.
“Mr. Akanat has earned recognition from party leaders and members due to his significant contributions during the election campaign and his excellent performance as an MP,” he remarked.
Additionally, reports indicate that Mr. Krisada submitted his resignation to newly appointed finance minister Pichai Chunhavajira after a memorandum outlining responsibilities was signed, effectively limiting Mr. Krisada’s role within the ministry.
In his resignation letter, Mr. Krisada cited a clash in work philosophies and a lack of mutual respect as key reasons for his departure.
Meanwhile, Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai MP and government chief whip, dispelled rumors about the opposition Democrat Party joining the coalition government. “The government is stable with sufficient support from coalition parties, and there is no need for additional parties to form a coalition,” he declared.
“Inviting another coalition party could complicate the distribution of cabinet posts,” he added.
