PM ready to be Interior Minister

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has shed some light on future political plans while still attending the UN General Assembly in New York.

He hinted at a cabinet reshuffle as soon as he is back in Thailand.

“I do have a reshuffle plan in mind but I will have to discuss this with other cabinet members. I am certain that we will have a new cabinet by the first week of October.”

The reshuffle plan follows the resignation of three ministers – Information and Communications Technology Minister Sittichai Pookaiyaudom, Interior Minister Aree Wongarya and Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda. All three were found to have stakes in excess of 5 percent in private firms by the National Counter Corruption Commission – a violation of the previous constitution.

As for speculation over who will replace Mr Aree as Interior Minister, the premier said he was “ready to fill in the position while also serving as Prime Minister if necessary.”