Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga to oversee the Justice Ministry, with the exception of the Department of Special Investigation, instead of Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who will now oversee the Public Health Ministry.

No reason was given for the change, but it is speculated that it might stem from the controversy over convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’ stay in the Police General Hospital, which has now exceeded the 120-day limit.

On Tuesday, Somsak criticised the Justice Ministry and the Corrections Department for being unable to address public suspicion about and Thaksin’s illnesses, criticism of his stay at the hospital and questions about the Corrections Department’s regulation allowing convicts to serve time outside prison.