Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha confirmed yesterday his chief adviser Thosaporn Sirisamphand has resigned.
“Yes, he quit. Quitting is quitting,” Gen Prayut said when asked about the resignation of one of his most trusted economic advisers.
The prime minister refused to go into detail as to when the resignation took effect.
It came amid speculation that Gen Prayut will soon be making changes to his cabinet.
Mr Thosaporn also submitted his resignation as chairman of PTT Plc on Oct 12, effective from Saturday. He did not give a reason for the decision.
Mr Thosaporn retired as secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council in 2020 and was appointed the prime minister’s chief adviser the same year.
A source said Mr Thosaporn stepped down as PTT chairman due to personal conflicts with a government working panel. He was appointed chairman of PTT Plc on April 8.
“He was in a serious conflict with a government working panel and was forced to quit various positions,” said the source.
Thipanan Sirichana, deputy government spokeswoman, quoted Gen Prayut as saying Mr Thosaporn quit for personal reasons.
She said Gen Prayut and the government were focusing on policies to help the public, not conflicts that could escalate tension.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon was apparently not aware Mr Thosaporn had quit, and seemed surprised when his name was mentioned.
“Who resigned?” Gen Prawit said, when asked about Mr Thosaporn’s decision. “Who’s he?” he added.
Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit said his party would not pressure Gen Prayut to proceed with a reshuffle and urged others to give the premier more time.
The Democrats want to fill the deputy interior minister portfolio left vacant after Niphon Bunyamanee stepped down to defend a court case. The party resolved to nominate Naris Khamnurak, its MP for Phatthalung, for the post.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said the party would not seek to change its cabinet members.