Thailand: Prawit says his fate tied to PM

• Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon hinted Wednesday he could remain in politics after the general election in early 2019 but that his decision would likely depend on what course of action the prime minister decides to take regarding his own political career.
• The premier has yet to announce whether he will re-enter the political fray when the poll rolls around. He told Bloomberg in London in June that he would clarify his position regarding his political future within Sep 18.
• Gen Prawit dismissed as untrue mounting speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, amid reports that two ministers could be stepping down to join a pro-regime party. They are DPM Somkid Jatusripitak and DPM Gen Chatchai Sarikulya.
• He dismissed rumours that certain politicians may be brought into the cabinet as part of the regime’s preparations to establish a future government, saying ministers are appointed on merit only.
• The deputy premier also rejected as untrue reports that he would be allowed to handpick a deputy interior minister to supervise the election. Reports claim a high-profile politician in the Northeast is being eyed for the post to help the regime prepare for the poll.
• Gen Prawit also denied having any connection to, or knowledge of, the pro-regime Phalang Pracharat Party, which has been linked to Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana and Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong.

External Link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1534650/prawit-says-his-fate-tied-to-pm