BANGKOK, July 16 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Somkid
Jatusripitak and four Cabinet members have resigned amid political power
struggle and looming reshuffle of Thai economic ministers.
Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana, Energy Minister Sontirat
Sontijirawong, Higher Education, Science and Innovations Minister Suvit
Maesincee, and deputy secretary-general of the Prime Minister’s Office Kobsak
Pootrakul held a press conference on Thursday.
Uttama said their resignation letters along with Somkid’s
had been submitted with immediate effect.
He thanked Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for giving them trust and
opportunity to serve the country.
Their resignations have long been rumored after the four
quitted from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) last week. Pressure from other PPRP members has mounted
since the party’s leadership reshuffle last month, in which Uttama was replaced
as the party leader.
The four technocrats were brought in to the economic team of
Prayut administration by Somkid. Prior
to last year’s general election, they co-founded the PPRP which nominated
Prayut as prime minister. (TNA)
