Bangkok: "Sirikanlaya" expressed skepticism regarding the "Paetongtarn Cabinet 1/2," predicting it will not endure its full term.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, expressed disappointment with the recent reshuffle of the Paethongtarn government cabinet. She criticized the reshuffle as a mere allocation of seats to maintain governmental stability rather than addressing the country's chronic issues like security and economic challenges. She specifically pointed out the absence of a dedicated Minister of Defense, with the current minister acting as a caretaker, and the lack of significant changes within the Ministry of Finance.
Ms. Sirikanya was particularly critical of the appointment choices within the Ministry of Commerce, a crucial department for international negotiations and agricultural product pricing. She questioned the decision to appoint the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, along with retaining Mr. Suchart Chomklin as Deputy Minister of Commerce.
She expressed concern that the reshuffle might not last long enough to effect meaningful change, emphasizing the need for quick results. Ms. Sirikanya suggested that the absence of a defense minister might stem from concerns over appointing a suitable candidate, despite potential options like General Nattapol Nakphanit, who could have filled the role.
Ms. Sirikanya dismissed the idea of waiting for a defense minister candidate favored by the Pheu Thai Party to prevent a coup, suggesting that the cabinet's current composition might not endure. She criticized the decision to have the Prime Minister assume the role of Minister of Culture to promote soft power, arguing that the main agencies driving soft power are not under the Ministry of Culture but rather under the Prime Minister's Office.
She described the cabinet as "reciprocal," aimed at distributing seats rather than selecting individuals with specialized expertise. Ms. Sirikanya expressed skepticism about the government's longevity, citing dissatisfaction and threats to withdraw from coalition parties, indicating that the government might not last until the end of its term.