Thai PM Srettha Thavisin vows to shoulder consequences of Cabinet reshuffle

BANGKOK: Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he has selected a new foreign minister after Mr Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara abruptly resigned from his position in apparent displeasure over a Cabinet reshuffle.

The new foreign minister has not been named, but reports said an ex-diplomat was approached for the role.

Mr Parnpree had held the post, and was also one of the nation’s deputy prime ministers, since September last year when Mr Srettha’s government took office.

On Sunday (Apr 28), he unexpectedly called it quits after the reshuffle removed his DPM post and listed him only as foreign minister. 

Mr Srettha said he apologised to Mr Parnpree, and vowed to shoulder the consequences.

“If the way I worked upset him (Parnpree), I’ve already apologised to him. This is about thinking in different ways,” he said.

“However, I will bear all responsibility and continue working using the country’s benefits as a foundation.”

The prime minister added that Mr Parnpree’s portfolio was reduced to allow him to concentrate on his foreign minister role.

There has been a lukewarm reaction to the reshuffle. Analysts and Thai citizens believe the moves are minor and will not have a significant impact on public confidence, but some voiced optimism that a fresh lineup could mean new priorities.

“A reshuffle means new perspectives and a real push for new policies,” said Associate Professor Attasit Pankaew from Thammasat University.

NEW FACES IN CABINET

Mr Srettha, who swore in his Cabinet seven months ago, announced his first reshuffle on Sunday.

The lineup includes six new faces – Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, Prime Minister’s Office Ministers Jiraporn Sinthuprai and Pichit Chuenban, Deputy Agriculture Minister Attakorn Sirilattayakorn and Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin.

“When we govern the country, there’ll be a necessity to solve the problems and reshuffle portfolios, whether it's administrative or legislative. There must be an adjustment to add more suitable and professional people to do the jobs,” Mr Srettha told reporters on Monday.

CHANGES IN FINANCE MINISTRY

The most significant shakeup is in the Finance Ministry. Mr Srettha relinquished the finance minister portfolio to his advisor Pichai, who will also serve as DPM.

The 75-year-old recently quit as the chairman of the Thai Stock Exchange and was a former senior energy executive.

Meanwhile, Mr Paopoom’s appointment as deputy finance minister makes it one of just two ministries with three deputies.

Observers said this is a sign of the emphasis the Srettha administration is placing on the ministry to accelerate economic growth.

The ministry is also tasked with implementing the government’s digital wallet initiative, which gives a 10,000 baht (US$270) top-up to eligible Thai citizens to help stimulate the economy.

“Srettha is focused on economic development… these policies might help (him and his party Pheu Thai) win the elections next time,” said Assoc Prof Punchada Sirivunnabood of Mahidol University.

Having a new full-time finance minister focused solely on economic policies, as opposed to the prime minister helming the role previously, will also be useful for Thailand, said observers.

Mr Pichai, who brings more than 20 years’ experience in the financial and business world, is seen to be an asset to his new position.

“He has a very good understanding of the financial market, of energy policies. He is also a very good accountant. We can be more confident that the economy will be better,” said Assoc Prof Attasit.

EXPECTATIONS FOR NEW FOREIGN MINISTER

Some observers remained concerned about gaps left in the Foreign Ministry following the sudden departure of Mr Parnpree.

“The (next) person in this position has to be someone who is (knowledgeable about) not just the region, but geopolitics across the world – war, economy, diplomacy, etc,” said Assoc Prof Punchada.

She added that the role is particularly urgent due to neighbouring Myanmar’s political crisis, which has at times spilled over their shared border.

“What’s going on in Myanmar will absolutely affect Thailand,” she said.

Mr Parnpree headed a national committee on tackling the Myanmar crisis affecting Thailand.

He had also initiated a proposal to ask the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to consider convening a "troika plus" meeting on Myanmar.
 

Thailand has been the most affected as recent clashes along the Myanmar border town of Myawaddy spilled across into Thailand's Mae Sot city.

ASEAN chair Laos has yet to decide on whether or when to hold such a meeting. Thailand has also offered itself as a potential meeting location.

REACTIONS TO RESHUFFLE

From a sluggish economy to bad air quality, the Thai government has many existing challenges to tackle.

Thais CNA spoke to are taking a wait-and-see approach to what the new Cabinet will be able to achieve for the nation.

Many said they want to see tangible results but some feel that despite the change, there are still too many old guards.

“I’m not confident there will be much change because the ministers are from the Cabinets we have seen before. Faces are still the same from Thaksin to Prayut to Srettha's government,” said 30-year-old office worker Suphasorn Sansamak. She was referring to former prime ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Prayut Chan-o-cha. 

“I want the situation to get better but we have to wait and see how much the new Cabinet can help us. I want the government to look into the cost of living and also the haze situation,” said 28-year-old office worker Nannaphat Iamjaras.

Lawyer Chokchai Luangprasert, 37, was more positive. He said: “With the new Cabinet, the country will go in a better, more positive direction. I believe things will improve.”

Observers believe there may be more Cabinet reshuffles along the way during Mr Srettha’s four-year term.

Thais are expecting the new Cabinet to implement clearer and better policies. Otherwise, Srettha’s government will face greater difficulty in winning the citizens’ votes come the next general elections.