PM Paetongtarn thanks coalition allies for remaining with her government

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra thanked representatives of the six coalition parties today, which have agreed to remain with the government, following the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai party.

The prime minister, also leader of the Pheu Thai party, called a meeting with representatives of the remaining coalition parties, including the Democrats, United Thai Nation, Kla Tham, Chart Thai Pattana, Prachachart and Chart Pattana, at the Rosewood Hotel.

Among those attending were Democrat Party leader Chalermchai Srion, United Thai Nation leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Prachachart leader Tawee Sodsong, Chart Thai Pattana leader Varawut Silpa-archa, Chart Pattana leader Suwat Liptapallop and Narumon Pinyosinwat of the Kla Tham party.

The Pheu Thai party was represented by Sorawong Thienthong, the secretary-general, and Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, in addition to Paetongtarn.

The meeting ended at about 4.15pm and the prime minister released some pictures of the gathering on social media and thanked the participants for their continued support for her government, amid the scandal over her conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which was leaked and has provoked protests and demands for her resignation.

In her Facebook post, the prime minister said that her government and the three armed forces are unified with the people to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and honour in the face of an external security threat.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the new cabinet line-up has already been drafted and the authorities concerned will begin background checks on all the ministerial candidates, before the list is submitted to the Palace for Royal assent.

According to informed sources, Phumtham Wechayachai will become interior minister and General Nattaphon Nakpanich, the deputy defence minister, will replace him as defence minister.

Prasert Chantararuangthong will move from Digital Economy and Society to become labour minister, replacing Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn of the Bhumjaithai party.

Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat will become minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovations.

Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, of the Kla Tham party, is set to become agriculture minister.

Deputy public health minister, Dech-it Khaothong, of the Democrat party, is set to become deputy interior minister.