Somkid to take over from Pridiyathorn as head of economic team

The premier decided to swap the posts of Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula and Somkid who is currently an economic adviser to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

“I have shifted Pridiyathorn to be an adviser and let Somkid take over instead. Somkid has helped me from the start, so there is no problem. Everyone is willing to be my adviser,” Prayut told reporters.

Prayut submitted the new Cabinet list for Royal endorsement on Monday. He said more than 10 Cabinet positions had been “adjusted”.

“Several people have been made advisers and will still work with me. I believe the new Cabinet will have to work harder than the previous one because I will get them to look at reforms,” he said.

He said Deputy Prime Minster for social issues Yongyuth Yutthawong will be shifted to PM’s adviser.

The premier revealed that apart from Somkid, General Prawit Wongsuwan, Wissanu Krea-ngam and General Tanasak Patimapragorn would continue as deputy prime ministers. Tanasak will, however, lose his post of foreign minister, Prayut said. A source said Tanasak’s deputy Don Pramudwinai is expected to be elevated to foreign minister. 

Somkid had also served as deputy prime minister and commerce minister under deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra government and was a key proponent of the populist policies known as “Thaksinomics”.

Vallop Vitanakorn, vice chairman at the Thai National Shippers Council, said the new economic team led by Somkid should promote confidence in the business sector and come up with policies that would drive stronger economic growth.

However, Vallop foresees a stiff challenge for the new ministers, as many problems both internal and external are affecting the Thai economy. He said the private sector would keep a close eye on the new economic team and see whether they will come up with measures that could stimulate economic growth. Yet, he admitted that it will not be seen in short as many negative factors.

Among the urgent issues the private sector would like the new ministers to tackle are: Stimulate domestic spending and increase the low income of the grassroots; continue measures to promote economic growth; increase investments and boost investor confidence; solve issues related to the country’s image on air transportation, labour and employment, and fishing industry; as well as increase the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.

Pornsil Patchrintanakul, adviser to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said he was not excited about the reshuffle as only a few ministers have been changed. He said the previous team has done quite well in drawing up many economic policies, but some measures need more time for the results to be visible. 

He said to promote more confidence, private enterprises want to see more long-term strategies to promote economic growth in the long run but the government is currently focusing on short-term strategies in order to handle the present problems. 

Pornsil added that Thailand might need to draw up a 20-year plan to promote economic growth in several sectors mainly agricultural, manufacturing, investment, and service.

Some feel that Pridiyathorn could be upset about the swapping of positions with Somkid. 

Before Prayut’s confirmation of the change, Pridiyathorn had said the prime minister had never spoken to him about it hence he had no idea which post he would take. 

“It doesn’t matter actually,” said Pridiyathorn. “During the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he didn’t say anything. He just mentioned about the reshuffle, but we didn’t have a one-on-one conversation between us,” he said.

Pridiyathorn said there is only one chief adviser to the NCPO, which is General Prawit.

Despite the report about the upcoming reshuffle, Pridiyathorn continued his work yesterday at Government House, chairing two meetings.

Suvit Maesincee, who is tipped to be the Deputy Commerce Minister, said he had submitted his resignation as a National Reform Council member as he was going to join the Cabinet. However, he declined to reveal his portfolio.