Critics wary of PM’s mooted pro-civilian cabinet reshuffle
Critics doubt whether the next cabinet lineup, with more civilians expected be brought in to replace military top brass, will improve the government’s performance.
Speculation of an imminent cabinet reshuffle has gained momentum following the resignation of Labour Minister Sirichai Distakul on Wednesday, and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha admitted he was considering the matter.
In the next cabinet reshuffle, the military constituent is expected to be cut and replaced with more civilian appointees in what is being seen as an attempt by the government to improve its image.
Top brass in the armed forces and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) have taken the majority of cabinet portfolios after each of Gen Prayut’s four cabinet shake-ups so far.
Former Pheu Thai Party deputy spokeswoman, Sunisa Lertpakawat, said that cabinet reshuffles, as a rule, make very little difference as they only involve people in government taking turns in assuming ministerial posts.
Instead, the government should quickly return power to the people within the time frame stipulated by the constitution, Lt Sunisa said.
She noted that when news emerged of the general election being suggested for November, 2018, it gave investor confidence an immediate boost, as opposed to the talk of a cabinet reshuffle which was only met with a lukewarm response.
Former Pheu Thai MP Amnuay Klangpha said if a cabinet reshuffle was on the cards, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha should bring in professionals to handle the economy.
He added that when it comes to dealing with trade and investment, military officers in the cabinet are no match for professionals in the field.
Mr Amnuay also said boosting civilian input in the cabinet will help restore investor confidence as the government will no longer be seen as dominated by the military.
Former Democrat Party MP Sathit Pitudecha agreed that having fewer top brass in the cabinet will help improve the government’s public image.
Mr Sathit said the government has been accused of cronyism with many given ministerial posts even though they did not have what it takes to do the jobs.
It would be best if experts in specific fields are brought in to help with national administration, he said.
Tida Tawornseth, a leading figure of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, said a cabinet reshuffle indicates that the government has no intention of releasing its grip on power.
“It also signals that he [Gen Prayut] will not lift the ban on political activities anytime soon,” Ms Tida said.
She added the premier’s suggestion that a new cabinet will include more civilians shows an effort by Gen Prayut to appeal to the general public.
Somjai Phagaphasvivat, an international relations academic at Thammasat University, said that while the government had initially sought to maintain an image of unity and oneness, “as this government’s fourth year approaches, it is likely seeking to establish a pro-election and pro-democracy image”.
“There is now less of a requirement for military officers in the cabinet, especially considering how order has somewhat been established in the governing body.