Anchalee confirmed to become Sec-Gen to PM Abhisit

PHUKET: Phuket MP Raewat Areerob today confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that Anchalee Vanich Thepabutr will take up the position of Secretary-General to the Prime Minister from January 2.

Mrs Anchalee, who long served as a Democrat Party MP, will replace outgoing Secretary-General Korbsak Sabhavasu following his resignation.

The news follows days of speculation about whether or not PM Abhisit Vejjajiva would approve the promotion.

Mrs Anchalee is currently Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister.

State news agency MCOT reported that Mr Korbsak announced his resignation amid rumors of a rift between himself and Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij over the government’s “Pracha Wiwat” (People’s Agenda) welfare policies, which some critics have branded as “populist”.

PM Abhisit had yet to receive Mr Korbsak’s letter of resignation, but the premier has already talked with him about the decision, said the MCOT report.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan