Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with Thaksin Shinawatra over lunch today in a central Bangkok hotel, amidst speculation over a cabinet reshuffle.
Srettha was accompanied by his deputy, Phumtham Wechayachai, and his secretary general, Prommin Lertsuridej.
Thaksin, who was released on parole from a prison term he was serving on three corruption convictions, is believed to be the one calling the shots in the current political environment.
Srettha is the successful prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai party, which was founded by Thaksin and which has Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, as its leader.
It is noted that those who participated in today’s lunch are key figures who have long been trusted by Thaksin.
Rumour has it that the lunch was arranged because Srettha has completed his reshuffle list and wishes to get a nod of approval from Thaksin.
Speculation has it that those likely to be removed from the cabinet in this reshuffle include Public Health minister Cholnan Srikaew, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Agriculture minister Chaiya Promma.