PM stands by Suphajee amid Cabinet reshuffle rumours

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has put to rest speculation that Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun may lose her portfolio in a cabinet reshuffle, saying he would have to leave office too if she were removed.

“If Suphajee is to be replaced, then Anutin must be replaced too,” Anutin said today, stressing that she was a key member of his government.

The prime minister was responding to reports that the Klatham Party could join the coalition government and take charge of the Commerce Ministry.

Anutin said he had personally asked Suphajee to join his administration, first in his previous government and again in the current one, to oversee the country’s marketing, commerce, economy and industry.

“She is one of the pillars of my government,” he said, adding that Suphajee had not approached him seeking a ministerial post. Rather, he had asked her to take on the role.

“If it is Suphajee, then the prime minister must be changed,” Anutin said. Anutin said his remarks should settle the matter.

He also denied that a cabinet reshuffle was planned, saying there would be no changes.

Suphajee, who also serves as deputy prime minister, meanwhile thanked Anutin for publicly backing her.

She said she had not spoken to him since the reports about her possible removal emerged.

Asked whether she felt reassured by his remarks, Suphajee said she appreciated the prime minister’s support. She added that her morale remained strong and that she was ready to work every day.

Asked whether she was confident she would remain in the Cabinet, she replied: “As the prime minister said.”