BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed that the new Cabinet reshuffle is finalized and now awaiting the qualification vetting process before submission for royal endorsement. Speaking to reporters at Government House, she said all party leaders had been consulted and that everything had been agreed upon smoothly.
When asked when the final list would be submitted to His Majesty the King, she replied that it would depend on when the vetting process is completed.
Regarding internal conflict within the United Thai Nation Party, Paetongtarn insisted the matter was resolved and denied rumors that Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who also serves as Minister of Energy and party leader, had pressured her to resign. “That’s not true. We had a normal conversation. The photo of us meeting at the Rosewood hotel was from a discussion that went very well. The coalition remains supportive and encouraging,” she said.
Asked whether the coalition might seek to expand its parliamentary support, Paetongtarn said the current numbers remain stable and strong.
On the question of whether she would retain the position of Minister of Defense herself, Paetongtarn replied firmly, “Definitely not.” She declined to disclose who would take the role, stating only, “Once it’s finalized, I’ll let you know.”
She emphasized that appointments across all ministries must reflect the need for inter-ministerial cooperation. Regarding the Ministry of Defense specifically, she said the current ministers and deputy ministers are already working closely with the armed forces, particularly in border areas, and that operations have been running smoothly under the current arrangements.
When asked whether the defense minister must be a military figure, she responded with a question of her own: “Why is everyone suddenly so focused on the Ministry of Defense?” Journalists replied it was due to the ongoing situation at the Thai-Cambodian border.
On the topic of the Constitutional Court reviewing a petition seeking her suspension over a leaked audio clip of a conversation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Paetongtarn said she is ready to provide clarification.
“The leaked clip involves a kind of conversation that leaders of countries often have. It’s clear that I did not gain any personal benefit, nor did Thailand suffer any damage. The goal was simply dialogue — and it’s well known such talks are not meant to be made public. I stand ready to explain every detail if required,” she said.
As reporters asked how she would respond to calls for her resignation from some members of the public, Paetongtarn ended the press conference by placing her hands together in a traditional wai and walking away without further comment.
