Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is not looking for advice on a cabinet reshuffle, but economy czar MR Pridiyathorn is outraged at "malicious" rumours. (File photo by Post Today)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted yesterday he does not have to consult any ministers if he decides to instigate a cabinet reshuffle.

He said changes to the cabinet lineup will depend on the performance of cabinet members.

The prime minister's comment came amid mounting speculation of a looming cabinet reshuffle, particularly in the economic affairs section to restore public confidence in the government amid an economic slump. Speculation about changes has also focused on the defence minister.

Gen Prayut also responded to media reports that he was reluctant to reorganise the cabinet so as not to hurt the feelings of those he had invited to work for his government, several of whom are his military seniors.

"Since I'm now the person who is responsible for this, any decisions [about cabinet replacements] are my business," he said. "I'm the one who got them to work [in the cabinet]. I have absolute power here. There's no one else above me."

Gen Prayut insisted there would be no favouritism in a cabinet reshuffle if he decides to make lineup changes.

"The media may need to correct factual errors [speculating about] who might emerge as new cabinet ministers," said Gen Prayut. "Why fuss over cabinet reshuffling? It depends on how the members work.

"If they all do what I tell them to do, I won't change anything. But if they don't do as they are told or are not effective, I will have to adjust something then," he said.

The cabinet is currently undergoing weekly assessments to follow up on ministers' progress on assigned work, he said.

Gen Prayut said he has two simple rules for his ministers when it comes to leading the cabinet. The first rule is that they should follow his instructions and if they are unable to, they must be able to explain why, he said.

The second rule is that if they don't agree with his orders, they must tell him and he will provide suggestions.

The bottom line in measuring the performance of cabinet ministers is their efficiency, he said.

Regarding speculation that Udomdej Sitabutr could replace Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon in September, Gen Prayut blamed media for spreading such rumours.

"Next time, you [reporters] may become defence minister, then you can appoint anyone you want," he said. "Not everybody can be defence minister."

Gen Prawit was absent from yesterday's Defence Council meeting, which was instead chaired by Gen Udomdej, further fuelling speculation.

But Gen Prayut dismissed it, saying that Gen Prawit had fallen ill.

The prime minister declined to comment on a report by local media that Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula had told the Thai Bankers Association on Friday that the PM did not really understand economic matters.

The article said the comments provoked Gen Prayut into considering his transfer. MR Pridiyathorn yesterday denied the report.

"I did speak with those bankers but I didn't say the prime minister didn't understand economic issues. He actually knows best about the economy. Why would I say that?" MR Pridiyathorn said.

He said there had been attempts at spreading malicious rumours aimed at removing him from his position of overseeing economic affairs.

He said he attended the meeting to tell bankers about government policy and to ask them for their cooperation in speeding up the provision of small- to medium-sized business loans.

According to political observers, the amended interim charter that took effect on July 15 paved the way for changes among economic ministers, as it allows banned politicians to join the cabinet.

The focus is on Somkid Jatusripitak, an advisor to the National Council for Peace and Order who served a five-year political ban until 2012.

Finance Minister Sommai Phasee, who is also rumoured to be facing a transfer, said the conjecture originated with those who want to oust him from the ministry.

"Finance minister is a position that creates more enemies than friends. I'm still motivated to work however," he said.

Gen Udomdej, meanwhile, dismissed rumours that he is likely to replace Gen Prawit as defence minister. "I don't think that is true. It's simply a rumour. I think everyone has been working to their fullest capacity," he said.