Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has refuted yesterday’s rumour of a cabinet shakeup after the Songkran break, claiming that it was pure speculation.

At least two mainstream print media reported, without citing credible sources, that the prime minister would reshuffle Pheu Thai party cabinet portfolios, to the effect that both Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew would be removed, with the prime minister taking over as defence minister.

Asked by reporters today about a cabinet reshuffle on April 17, the prime minister retorted asking the media whether they were now speaking on behalf of the prime minister and whether their speculation is correct.

He said that the rumour had caused some ministers, whose names were mentioned in the reporting, discomfort and to call him, adding that he told them that there was to be no cabinet reshuffle as speculated.

He said that a cabinet reshuffle depends on numerous factors, one of which is whether the incumbent ministers are the right people in the right jobs after about seven months in their offices.

The prime minister also said that there is still a vacant cabinet post, which belongs to the Palang Pracharath party, adding that it is a decision for the party as to whom they nominate to fill the post.

Regarding speculation that he may take the defence portfolio, in place of Sutin Klungsang, the prime minister said that he is still the finance minister and he is not interested in taking on the defence portfolio.