On June 12, reporters confirmed that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is planning a major Cabinet reshuffle. A key objective is to reclaim the Ministry of Interior, currently held by the Bhumjaithai Party, and return it to the Pheu Thai Party.
Under the new plan, Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong is set to take over as Interior Minister. The Deputy Interior Minister position, currently held by Thirarat Samrejwanit, will be given to Sermsak Pongpanit, a former Deputy Interior Minister and ex-permanent secretary of the ministry.
Negotiations with Bhumjaithai offer two options:
- Assign Anutin Charnvirakul to the Ministry of Education and potentially the Ministry of Commerce.
- Offer a swap for the Ministry of Public Health.
If Bhumjaithai refuses either option, Pheu Thai is prepared to let them join the opposition. The decision is backed by senior party figures after thorough evaluations of potential backlash, with confidence that it won’t destabilize the government—even if Bhumjaithai is removed.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues in the United Thai Nation Party. If factions led by Suchart Chomklin and 21 MPs fail to take control of the party, they may break away to support the government independently. Ministerial positions would then be allocated to the new Opportunity Party, with Jatuporn Buruspat, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, set to lead the party and potentially step in as Energy Minister.