Thai Cabinet Reshuffle Rumors Swirl Amid Political Maneuvering

Reports are emerging of a potential cabinet reshuffle in Thailand, with speculation suggesting a senior political figure from Buriram has indicated the move could take place by November. The reshuffle is reportedly aimed at improving the government's performance and rebalancing ministerial portfolios, particularly amid concerns that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has borne the brunt of criticism for falling short of expectations. Several deputy ministers are reportedly facing potential changes, including Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society Boonthida Somchai, and Deputy Interior Ministers Worasit Liangprasit and Jeseth Thaiseth. Worasit Liangprasit has faced scrutiny over the local government recruitment exam scandal. Meanwhile, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissananantakul is reportedly being considered for the post of Deputy Finance Minister. Samrit Thansap, a Bhumjai Thai MP for Chaiyaphum, is also expected to join the Cabinet as a new minister. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has strongly refuted rumors of the Bhumjai Thai party (Blue party) being ousted from the government due to a rumored collaboration between Pheu Thai (red party) and Kla Tham party (green party). He dismissed speculation over a "red-green pact," humorously stating that mixing red and green would still result in blue, referring to his party's signature color. These remarks came after allegations on the Rural Doctor Society Facebook page of a secret political deal linked to Monaco, which claimed Anutin's coalition would lose its House majority if Pheu Thai's 74 MPs withdrew support. The government currently holds 292 seats, and without Pheu Thai would be left with 218. If Kla Tham's 58 MPs joined the coalition instead, it would command 276 seats. In parallel, the Ministry of Interior will conduct a major reshuffle of its officials in August to better align them with their roles and enhance efficiency. This move follows public concerns over issues like the local government recruitment exam scandal. Anutin stated that honest officials would be supported, while wrongdoing would be met with firm action. The reshuffle will affect senior positions, including deputy permanent secretaries, directors-general, inspectors, and provincial governors, with appointments based on seniority, experience, ability, and clean service records. In fiscal 2026, 18 senior officials are due to retire, and 24 management positions will become vacant. The ministry also identified 5,925 suspected offenders in the recruitment exam fraud, with investigations ongoing. Separately, the Appeals Court upheld a lower court's decision to deny bail to prominent pro-democracy activists Jatupat “Pai Dao Din” Boonpattararaksa and Atthaphon “Kru Yai” Buaphat in the Sept. 19 “Return Power to the People” protest case, citing no new grounds to overturn the previous rejection. The ruling followed an appeal against the Criminal Court’s July 23 decision rejecting their latest bail applications — the eighth for Jatupat and the sixth for Atthaphon. On the economic front, the government is seeking to preserve a 19% tariff ceiling under its ongoing Agreements on Reciprocal Tariff (ART) negotiations with the United States, with talks expected to conclude in August. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun stated that Thailand is negotiating to ensure the overall US tariff burden does not exceed this previously agreed level, particularly concerning sectors like automobiles and auto parts, rubber products, and machinery and equipment, which are operating at 75-90% capacity. Information Source: Thai Enquirer