BANGKOK, May 17 – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday ruled out a cabinet reshuffle after the five-year ban from political life of 111 executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) expires at the end of this month.
The premier said her government will not close the door for those who have the capability to work with the government, but noted that it depends upon the timing as resolving the people’s problems is her government’s priority.
“I still don’t know when [the banned politicians] will join the government as I must see which field they want to work in for the country,” said Ms Yingluck. “The government wants capable persons, not only the 111 former Thai Rak Thai executives, but whoever can help solve the country’s problems.”
When asked about a possible cabinet reshuffle, the prime minister said she did not think of it during this period as she wanted to focus on the work, but she will inform the public if there’s any change.
The Constitution Court in 2007 dissolved the Thai Rak Thai party, headed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Two senior party members were found guilty of election law violations after they were directly involved in bribing candidates from smaller parties to compete in particular constituencies to ensure the minimum of 20-per cent eligible votes to win the seat in 2006 election was achieved.
The party dissolution was accompanied by the five-year political ban of its 111 executive members.
The ban will expire on May 30 amid reports that many of the former TRT former executives expected to return to politics and take ministerial posts in the Yingluck Shinawatra administration.
