On June 12, reports confirmed that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is planning a major cabinet reshuffle, with a key objective being to transfer the Ministry of Interior from the Bhumjaithai Party back to the Pheu Thai Party.
Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has been proposed to take over as Minister of Interior. Meanwhile, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanich, a former Deputy Interior Minister, is expected to replace Ms. Teerarat Samretwanich as Deputy Minister of Interior.
Negotiations with the Bhumjaithai Party have reportedly presented two options:
- Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, currently Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, would be reassigned to the Ministry of Education, with an additional offer of the Ministry of Commerce.
- Alternatively, a trade for the Ministry of Public Health could be on the table.
If Bhumjaithai refuses either option, Pheu Thai is prepared to move forward without them, potentially pushing the party into the opposition. This decision has been thoroughly reviewed by top leadership, with assurances that such changes would not destabilize the coalition.
In the case of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), which is facing internal conflict, the situation remains in flux. Should Mr. Suchart Chomklin (Deputy Minister of Commerce) and his faction of 21 MPs fail to take control of the party, they may support the government independently. If so, cabinet positions may shift to the newly formed “New Opportunity Party” led by Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, who is expected to take over the Ministry of Energy.