Thailand - Gov't too busy for Cabinet reshuffle, says Thai PM

Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday ruled out a Cabinet reshuffle, saying the government was too busy tackling the flood crisis.

She said she would wait until the floodwater subsided before considering whether to improve her Cabinet lineup.

The performance of Cabinet members in handling the flood crisis would be taken into account if she changed the Cabinet lineup, she said.

Thailand's Industry Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said Sunday he was surprised to see press speculation he might be removed from the Cabinet.

He said he had been working hard to support efforts to deal with the flood crisis but not seeking publicity - mostly providing building materials for use to prevent flooding.

"If I have to be removed because my work has not been reported by the media, I'll say I have been working hard all the time," Wannarat said.

Thailand's Democrat Party leader and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva agreed Sunday the government should not reshuffle the Cabinet now. It should focus on helping people affected by floods.

Abhisit said the government had caused a lot of confusion by changing the structure of the Flood Relief Operation Centre - and it would be more confused if the Cabinet lineup was changed now.

The Democrats have submitted eight proposals for the Thai government to urgently carry out to help flood victims.

Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intharakomalsut said they were:

1) The government must provide facts about the runoff from the North yet to enter Bangkok. The people must be informed when their houses will be flooded and how long the floodwater would stay.

2) The government must provide clearcut evacuation plans and local administrations should play a leading role in evacuating people.

3) Police must work hard to protect public assets and property.

4) The government must announce adequate compensation measures for affected people so they will be assured of rehabilitation to resume their lives after the flood water recedes.

5) The government should provide measures to facilitate Bangkok commuters, such as free Skytrain and subway services.

6) The government must provide clearcut moves to control an adequate amount and the price of necessary goods. For example, the government must set up distribution centres in communities to sell consumer goods at cheap prices.

7) The government must set up centres to watch out against epidemics as flood water had started to become polluted.

8) The government should provide career training to evacuees to have jobs after the waters subsides. In particular, it must train people to restore infrastructure and homes, as this work would be much needed.

News Desk

The Nation (Thailand)

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