Interior minister Anutin dismisses cabinet reshuffle rumours

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed speculation today that he might be made to exchange portfolios with Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong in a cabinet reshuffle.

He asked the media not to report on a cabinet reshuffle, because it could result in further inter-party conflict, noting that he has not yet heard anything from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the matter.

Speculation about Anutin being replaced began following former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s comment last week, when he was attending the 25th anniversary of Nation TV. He was quoted to have said that the Interior Ministry should be returned to the Pheu Thai party, because the ministry is under-performing.

Anutin said today that he has held the interior portfolio since the Srettha Thavisin administration, adding that there was an agreement between the Pheu Thai party and his Bhumjaithai party over the interior portfolio.

He claimed that only the Prime Minister has the authority to make changes to the cabinet, as he suggested that the media only listen to her.