Deputy PM Denies Cabinet Reshuffle Rumors, Highlights Performance
Deputy Prime Minister Yoschanan Wongsuwat dismissed rumors of an imminent cabinet reshuffle, stating he has received no signals of ministry changes. He emphasized that the five Pheu Thai-led ministries are working in unison and highlighted their six-month performance records, insisting the public will ultimately judge their effectiveness rather than political maneuvering.
On October 21, 2026, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yoschanan Wongsuwat, also a Pheu Thai Party leader, addressed rumors that the Kla Tham Party intends to merge with the Bhumjaithai Party, and that the Prime Minister has not clearly denied this. He suggested this could be seen as pressure on Pheu Thai not to break ranks in a no-confidence debate vote.
Yoschanan said the party must return to its agreed stance with the Prime Minister: if a no-confidence debate involves ministries under Pheu Thai's supervision, those five ministries must be fully prepared to showcase their achievements to prove they are working seriously. He stressed that all five Pheu Thai ministries are closely linked and working in unity, and they must support the government because different ministries' work is interconnected.
Asked whether Kla Tham's earlier interest in the Agriculture Ministry might pressure Pheu Thai, Yoschanan said they are using unified performance and mechanisms to assure the public of continuity, acknowledging no signal of ministry changes has been received. Pressed on whether this could become a political bargaining chip, he laughed and said it was unlikely as he had not been approached on the matter, adding his duty is to manage his ministry well. He noted cooperation with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security on elderly issues and Universal Design for tourism, while the Education and Labor Ministries are also performing well.
Responding to academic Yuthaporn Isarachai's view that a Kla Tham–Bhumjaithai merger would leave Pheu Thai with no leverage, Yoschanan said stable governance is today's priority. Whether to join or leave the government must be separated from current duties because they are already the government and ministers who must perform their best. "The people will decide whether we stay by looking at our performance," he said, noting each minister has reported achievements at three and six months, demonstrating they work with the public and state agencies in unity.
