Thaksin denies Cabinet reshuffle, supports energy cost cuts
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister and the alleged de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, has put to rest rumours suggesting the potential dismissal of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga in the next Cabinet reshuffle. Yesterday, January 5, Thaksin clarified that no such reshuffle is currently planned.
Pirapan, for his part, denied any discord with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra or the Pheu Thai Party. He emphasised that his work in reducing energy costs is fully supported by the government.
When questioned about the rumours of Pirapan’s removal, Thaksin stated that there is no friction between the two.
“No. We’ve talked and understood. There’s nothing wrong between us. I’ve known Pirapan for a long time. He has great determination and good understanding.”
Thaksin further elaborated that he and Pirapan have been discussing strategies to reduce household electricity costs from approximately 4 baht per unit to 3.70 baht per unit. Thaksin even expressed a desire to bring it down to 3.5 baht per unit.
Yesterday in Chiang Rai, the 75 year old Thaksin was campaigning for Saluckjicht Tiyapairat, a previous head of the Chiang Rai Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO). Saluckjicht is married to Yongyuth Tiyapairat, a former House Speaker and a close political ally of Thaksin in the north, and is the mother of Piyarat Tiyapairat, a Pheu Thai MP from Chiang Rai province.
Previous resistance
Pirapan has previously faced resistance from the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, particularly when he led a movement to slash energy prices. This move was met with opposition from energy business leaders, who were also financial supporters of the party. However, his current efforts to lower energy costs have gained popularity among the public.
As the leader of the UTN Party, Pirapan maintains close ties with former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is now a privy councillor. In the last General Election, the UTN presented Prayut as their top prime ministerial candidate.
Before Thaksin addressed the matter, Pirapan had already dismissed reports of friction between him and the government party through a Facebook post. He mentioned that certain media outlets had been spreading false information about him and, when those efforts failed, fabricated stories about a conflict with Pheu Thai.
“My efforts to cut energy prices succeeded because of their support.”
Pirapan highlights the backing he received from former PM Srettha Thavisin and current PM Paetongtarn, who are aligned with government policy. He also affirmed that Paetongtarn is committed to dismantling monopolies.
An inside source mentioned that Pirapan felt the need to clarify the situation following speculations about his possible removal, alongside Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, who is also the UTN Secretary General. The source added that there is no conflict between the UTN leadership and the ruling party, and party MPs remain unified.
Solidarity
Akanat also took to social media, posting a picture with Pirapan to demonstrate their solidarity.
“The Pheu Thai Party won’t remove the pair. Both are seen as representing the former prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha.”
Meanwhile, ex-red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan warned of escalating political tensions this year. He suggested that Pirapan might be replaced by the big boss, referring to Thaksin, due to perceived disunity within the UTN. However, Jatuporn noted that there is still an opportunity for the party to address these issues.
Jatuporn also commented on the government’s efforts to dismantle monopolies, which have encountered challenges, raising doubts about the government’s resilience against these powerful influences, reported Bangkok Post.
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