Published on October 27, 2005

The format of a new Cabinet line-up remains uncertain with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra saying yesterday that he wants to ponder his options over the weekend before finalising any decisions.

“I will think things through on Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

The PM said he would limit changes to a few positions in order to fill the vacancy left by Public Health Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul, whose resignation will take effect on Monday.

Although he made seemingly clear comments, Thaksin also prompted uncertainty by suggesting Suchai could remain in order to fight the spread of bird flu.

Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan stirred up speculation further, however, by saying that Suchai’s departure would have no impact on the containment of avian influenza. “Any Cabinet changes will make no difference on how to handle bird flu,” she said.

Two deputy prime ministers, Suwat Liptapanlop and Pinij Charusombat, were seen to separately meet with Thaksin in his office. But they refused to comment on their talks.

Government MP Sophon Phetsawang, from the Wang Nam Yom faction, said Suchai would honour his word and Thaksin will reappoint him to the same position.

Suchai was suited to serve as public health minister and his departure, if allowed, would be a setback because any successor would need time to get familiar with the job, he said.

But government MPs from Bangkok constituencies said Pinij might be a more suitable candidate for the public health portfolio. They also voiced concern that if Suchai was made a deputy prime minister, then the row at the Public Health Ministry might not be solved.

Another government MP Thewan Liptapanlop, Suwat’s younger brother, said his elder brother would make a good public health minister – if entrusted with the job.

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