Thai PM to reshuffle Cabinet

The Straits Times, March 5, 2007





UNDER PRESSURE: Thai PM Surayud Chulanont's popularity has dropped. -- AP





WHAT IT IS

THAI Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will announce a Cabinet reshuffle this week, which is seen as an effort to shore up the government's sagging credibility following a series of missteps.

The catalyst was the resignation last week of the government's economic czar Pridiyathorn Devakula from the post of finance minister and deputy prime minister.



WHY IT MATTERS

The indecisiveness of the government has affected the popularity of Gen Surayud himself, whose ratings have dropped, according to recent public opinion polls.

The reshuffle is perhaps his last chance to forge a unified team which will show a sense of policy coherence, and improve ties with the public and business community.


by NIRMAL GHOSH