Yongyuth rebuts prediction govt will be short-lived

Education Minister Suchart Tadathamrongvej has ruffled feathers in the ruling Pheu Thai Party after predicting that the government would be short-lived.

His prediction was disputed by Pheu Thai figures yesterday, including party leader Yongyuth Wichaidit, who said that he believed the Pheu Thai-led government would complete its four-year term. But he also added that it was uncertain if Suchart would survive the next Cabinet reshuffle.

Suchart yesterday held a press conference to confirm press reports that he had made the prediction the government would not last until the end of this year. However, he denied that his remark was caused |by any dissatisfaction at |the possibility that he could |be replaced in the upcoming changes to the Cabinet |line-up.

The education minister had predicted that the government-sponsored constitutional amendment could lead to a court order for the coalition parties involved to be |dissolved and many of their |MPs who are proponents |of the bills to be impeached. This scenario, coupled |with the unending political conflict caused by disputes between the rival political colours, would result in |the government unable to |survive until the end of this year.

Suchart said yesterday that he had sent an SMS (short message) to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to explain the matter.

In response to Suchart's remark, Yongyuth, who is also deputy prime minister and interior minister, yesterday said it remained uncertain if he and Suchart would survive this year as Cabinet members but he was confident that the government would "exist for some time, and not just till the end of this year".

When asked to define "for some time", the Pheu Thai leader said, "I mean eight years," adding that he was sure the Yingluck administration would definitely complete its four-year term.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday said that Suchart's prediction was by "someone who is not a political expert". He added that Suchart is more adept at economic and educational matters.

Party MP Pracha Prasop-dee said the education minister's move came as it was likely he would be removed from the Cabinet.