The deputy prime ministers have new responsibilities following the recent cabinet reshuffle, it was announced yesterday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has re-assigned responsibilities in overseeing ministries and offices, prompted by the latest shake-up, according to assistant government spokesperson Col Thaksada Saengkachan.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon is overseeing the Defence, Natural Resources and Environment ministries, as well as the Interior and Labour ministries.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak is supervising the Finance, Foreign Affairs and Tourism and Sports ministries. In addition he is also handling the Agriculture, Transport, Science and Technology and Industry ministries, as well as the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board and the Thailand Board of Investment.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam is in charge of the Culture Ministry, the Public Relations Department and the Office of the Royal Society.
Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya, supervises the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the Public Health Ministry, the National Office of Buddhism and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board.
Deputy Prime Minister ACM Prajin Juntong meanwhile, oversees the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Special Cases Commission, the National Commission for Justice Administration Development and the National Scout Organisation of Thailand.
Deputy government spokesperson Col Athisit Chainuwat said the prime minister has also told ministers to gather information from people in their departments, listen to problems and offer solutions.
Gen Prayut said the ministers must also closely monitor issues affecting people through social media so they can prevent problems from getting out of hand. State agencies must promptly explain issues that need clarification from the government, according to Col Athisit.
Meanwhile, Col Thaksada said yesterday's cabinet meeting acknowledged a prime ministerial order signed Friday appointing a new team of envoys to solve unrest in the far South.
The previous team was led by former deputy defence minister Udomdej Sitabutr with Gen Surachet Chaiwong as deputy leader. Gen Surachet now heads the team with Gen Chaichan Changmongkol as his deputy.
