PTT Global Chemical Plc., a subsidiary of PTT, formally notified the Securities Exchange Commission’s Secretary-General, today (Friday), of the resignation of Mr. Supattanapong Panmeechao from the executive and supervisory boards of PTT Global Chemical Plc., effective Thursday.

The sudden resignation of Mr. Supattanapong, a member of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s advisory panel, has fueled speculation that he might be chosen to be Thailand’s new Energy Minister, after Mr. Pairin Chuchotethavorn, former CEO of PTT, reportedly declined the offer, in a last-minute change of mind to avoid confrontation with members of the ruling Palang Pracharat Party, who are reportedly backing Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, a leader of the party’s Sam Mitr faction, to take the position vacated by Mr. Sontirat Sontijirawong.

The Prime Minister has been resisting pressure from the party for additional seats in the new Cabinet lineup, which claims it has gained more House seats as a result of defections from other parties.