Departure Of Ministers Linked To Alleged Plot Against Prayuth

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha announced the departure of two junior Cabinet members on Thursday. The removal of Deputy Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow and Deputy Labour Minister Narumon Pinyosiwat has been linked to their role in the alleged insider plot to oust him during last week's censure debate.

• While announcing his decision, Prayuth refused to disclose if Thamanat and Narumon were fired or had resigned, stayed tight-lipped on reasons for their departure, and declined to comment on any potential further resignations.
• Prayuth insisted that the departure of Thamanat and Narumon does not mean an imminent Cabinet reshuffle but a Bangkok Post source signalled such a possibility, adding that more Cabinet seats could be allocated to the Bhumjaithai Party.
• Thamanat serves as Secretary General of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) led by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. The Bangkok Post reported that he may lose his position in the party and be replaced by current Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat.
• As a reminder, last week local media outlets reported that Thamanat attempted to orchestrate a move to unseat PM Prayuth, who was facing a no-confidence vote alongside five ministers. All of them survived the censure votes by wide margins.