Formation of the new cabinet is almost complete and it is expected that a full list of proposed cabinet ministers will be submitted to HM the King for Royal approval next week, Pheu Thai party’s chief whip and party-list MP Sutin Klungsang said today (Friday).
He said that the party wants to take control of key ministries, such as finance, public health and transport adding, however, that the party must be flexible and may have to cede some key ministries, such as education and interior, to other main coalition parties, such as Bhumjaithai.
Sutin said that he is not yet sure which ministerial portfolio he will get, if any. He dismissed, as groundless, speculation that the Pheu Thai party is in conflict with General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath, another coalition partner.
General Prawit has not been seen in public lately. He was also absent from the parliamentary meeting on Tuesday to select the new prime minister.
According to informed sources, PM-elect Srettha is expected to double as finance minister. Pheu Thai MP Suriya Juangroongruangkit is likely to become the transport minister, Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Mai Julapun Amornvivat is likely to be the foreign minister, Sutin Klungsang the defence minister, outgoing finance permanent secretary Krisana Chinavicharana the deputy finance minister, Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, General Prawit’s younger brother, is expected to become a deputy prime minister and minister of natural resources and environment.
