In a recent event, Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam stated that former National Police Chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon’s dismissal from his prior position did not prevent him from assuming role in the upcoming Srettha cabinet. Krea-ngam claimed that despite Patcharawat Wongsuwon’s prior termination, this does not hinder him from serving as potential Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for natural resources and the environment.
Krea-ngam, a respected figure within the cabinet for his knowledge of legal matters, clarified that although Wongsuwon was removed from his position of National Police Chief at one stage, he was later reinstated by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), effectively nullifying the dismissal. Therefore, his forthcoming appointment would not violate the constitution, as per Krea-ngam’s interpretation.
The discussion emerged as responses to objections claiming that Wongsuwon, Chief Advisor of the Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) and younger sibling of the Party’s leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, may lack the necessary qualifications for a cabinet role due to his previous dismissal. Wongsuwon was previously dismissed by the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration back in 2009, as a result of his actions in a violent crackdown on anti-government protestors in October 2008. However, upon seizing power in the 2014 coup, the NCPO chose to reinstate him heavily influencing current discussions.
Krea-ngam also commented on how long the process of reviewing qualifications for potential cabinet appointments would take, estimating that it should be relatively swift unless any issues were to arise — in which case, it could be prolonged. He further added that he had no firsthand knowledge of the proposed cabinet ministers list and had only heard information through the media.
Regarding the atmosphere during the outgoing cabinet’s last meeting, he described the event as a joyful experience with an abundance of photographs being taken to commemorate the moment. He further stated that despite it being a farewell event, it was devoid of any sadness. In fact, his fellow ministers, including Outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha did not say anything of significant note, he reported.
As for words of wisdom for the incoming executives, Krea-ngam merely said they were all equipped enough to handle the roles. He believes in the leadership of the new prime minister and trusts in his commitment to ending political polarization and readiness to step away from conflicts. “Diligence, honesty, patience, prudence, and transparency” he concluded “are the duty of the cabinet. If these are adhered to, operations will run smoothly.”
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