The formation of the new government is expected to be completed soon, without a review of the cabinet seats earlier promised by the Palang Pracharat party to its two key coalition partners, the Democrats and Bhumjaithai.
Well-informed sources say that the Bhumjaithai party will get seven cabinet portfolios. These include deputy prime ministerial and public health minister’s posts for Anutin Charnvirakul, transport minister’s post for Saksayam Chidchob and tourism and sports minister’s post for Mrs. Natee Ratchakitprakarn.
The party will also get four deputy ministerial posts, namely deputy interior minister’s post for Chada Thaiset, deputy agriculture minister’s post for Songsak Thongsri as well as deputy commerce and deputy education ministers’ posts.
For the Democrat party, the sources say the party will get eight cabinet seats. These include deputy prime minister’s and commerce minister’s posts for party leader Jurin Laksanawisit, agriculture minister’s post for party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on and social development and human security ministerial post for Chuti Krairiksh.
The party will also be allocated a deputy interior minister’s post for Nipon Boonyamanee, deputy transport minister’s post for Thavorn Senniam, deputy public health minister’s post for Thana Chiravinit and deputy education minister’s post for either Sathit Pitudecha or Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich.
As for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s two comrades in arms, General Prawit Wongsuwan is likely to remain as deputy prime minister and defence minister while General Anupong Paochinda is likely to stay on as interior minister. Meanwhile, Dr. Wissanu Krea-ngam remains deputy prime minister and Somkid Jatusripitak, deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs.
Palang Pracharat party leader Uttama Savanayana may become finance minister, party secretary-general Sontirat Sontijirawong to become industry minister, Kobsak Pootrakool for digital economy minister and Natthaphol Teepsuwan as the energy minister.
A core leader of the Sam Mitr group, Somsak Thepsuthin, will get a ministerial post at a ministry yet to be decided.
Varawut Silpa-archa is likely to become natural resources and environment minister and Prapat Pothasuthon deputy agriculture minister with Thaweesak na Takuathung likely to be labour minister.
