Prawit denied knowing about a planned Cabinet reshuffle that could see him and Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda swap posts.

“It depends on the prime minister. But personally, I would like to work as defence minister because I’m more familiar with it.” Prawit said.

The defence minister added that he had not discussed the matter with the premier but he thought a reshuffle should occur following significant royal ceremonies.

It is expected that General Chaktip Chaijinda, the national police chief, will become social development and human security minister in the reshuffle.

The last Cabinet reshuffle under Prayut administration took place in December, with 12 changes made.

But despite strong speculation at the time that Prawit, who has served in Cabinet since the coup, would be unseated, he remained.