United Thai Nation leader to retain deputy PM and energy minister posts

United Thai Nation Party Leader Pirapan Salirathavibhagawill keep his jobs as deputy prime minister and energy minister, according to Government Spokesman JirayuHuangsap, as he explained the prime minister’s order reassigning the responsibilities of the three deputy prime ministers of the Pheu Thai party.

He said that the reassignment of duties for Phumtham Wechayachai, Suriya Juangroongruangkit and Prasert Chantararuangthong was necessary following the departure of Anutin Charnvirakul from his deputy prime minister and interior minister roles.

According to the prime minister’s order, Phumtham will oversee the ministries of defence, interior and justice, the Office of the Council of State, the Royal Thai Academy and the National Office of Buddhism.

Suriya, the transport minister, will oversee the ministries of foreign affairs, tourism and sports, transport, labour, culture and the Office of the Permanent Secretary of PM’s Office.

Digital Economy and Society Minster Prasert will oversee the ministries of higher education, science, research and Innovation, natural resources and environment, education,public health, the Public Relations Department, the Thailand Consumers Council and several other offices.

Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong denied some press reports that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra may resign or may dissolve the House after the passage of the Budget Bill for 2026 fiscal year.

The United Thai Nation party resolved yesterday to assign its leader Pirapan to inform Paetongtarn that the party wants her to be replaced by Chaikasem Nitisiri, another prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai party in the last general election, adding that, otherwise, the party may pull out of the coalition.

To date, the party has also not confirmed that it will remain with the government, while the other coalition parties have agreed to stay on.