Phiphat deferred to the Prime Minister regarding the reassignment of EEC oversight, denied seeing it as a reduction in his role, emphasized that all perform their duties equally, assured there is no rift within the Bhumjaithai Party, and dismissed connections to unresolved private sector high-speed rail contract issues in the three-airport project.
At 08:20 on 17 June 2026 at the Government House, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, addressed the Cabinet's decision to acknowledge the cancellation of his oversight of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee. He said he was unaware of the directive, which was only read for acknowledgment during the Cabinet meeting.
Asked whether he was unable to manage the oversight, Phiphat replied that this question should be directed to Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Regarding whether this constituted a reduction in his role, he said no, as everyone performs their duties equally. He expected the Prime Minister to assign him other responsibilities in the future.
When asked if the perceived reduction in his role, especially regarding the three southern border provinces, reflected internal issues within the Bhumjaithai Party, Phiphat clarified that those provinces fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To maintain peace, he assigned Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to oversee that area.
Asked if the Prime Minister had yet explained the reason for taking back EEC oversight, Phiphat said to wait for the Prime Minister's return from Russia.
When pressed whether the reassignment was related to unresolved private sector contract issues concerning the three-airport high-speed rail, the Transport Minister denied knowledge of any such reason and reiterated waiting for the Prime Minister's return before commenting further.
On whether this indicated a rift within the Bhumjaithai Party, Phiphat denied it, stating they can work on all issues and that each person's role is their own responsibility. He emphasized there is no rift in the party and reassured that this is normal as the party grows larger and must manage overall matters more effectively, which is a positive development for collaborative work.
The Cabinet acknowledged amendments to the Prime Minister's Office orders canceling Phiphat's oversight of the EEC.
Reporters noted that during the Cabinet meeting on 16 June chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the Cabinet acknowledged the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Office's proposal concerning Order No. 233/2569 amending delegation and authorization orders for Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers attached to the Prime Minister's Office acting on behalf of the Prime Minister.
This relates to Prime Minister's Office Order No. 82/2569 dated 7 April 2026, which delegated authority to Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers attached to the Prime Minister's Office to act on behalf of the Prime Minister, based on several sections of the Administrative Procedures Act and Civil Service Act, including amendments up to 2007 and 2008, and the Royal Decree on Delegation of Authority (2007). The amendment modifies Order No. 82/2569 accordingly.
Specifically, Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn's authority over item 1.2, the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EEC), is revoked effective immediately.
Additionally, the Cabinet acknowledged Secretariat proposals for Prime Minister's Office Order No. 234/2569 amending delegation orders for Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers to serve as chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and members on various committees under law and Prime Minister's Office regulations. This amends Order No. 96/2569 dated 24 April 2026, revoking Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat's role on item 1.1.3 concerning the EEC Policy Committee.
These changes took effect immediately following the order's signing on 15 June 2026.