4 Thai Cabinet ministers resign after party leader shakeup

16/7/2020 19:02

        Four key ministers in Thailand's Cabinet announced their resignations Thursday, as a military clique within the ruling coalition's most powerful political party continues to consolidate power.
        
        The most prominent member to depart was Somkid Jatusripitak, a deputy prime minister who has been in several governments during the past 19 years and who has been overseeing recent economic stimulus packages. The others were Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana, Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Suwit Mesinsee.
        
        It was not yet clear who would fill the positions.
        
        Their resignations come shortly after a shakeup in the Palang Pracharath party, which backs Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, and as the government faces projections of a certain economic contraction this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.