New cabinet tipped to be announced this week

BANGKOK, Oct 4 (TNA) - The Cabinet line-up in Thailand's new government is expected to be finalised and announced this week, Bank of Thailand (BOT) governor Pridiyathorn Devakula said on Wednesday.

Pridiyathorn, widely expected to oversee economic policy in the new government as deputy premier and finance minister, said he could not disclose names of those who will become the new cabinet members, pending a final decision to be made by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

Nevertheless, he said he believed the prime minister himself will surely announce his cabinet later this week when its formation is completed.

Responding to speculation that Bangkok Bank executive chairman Kosit Panpiemrat will join the new cabinet as he himself has done, the central bank chief said the prime minister approached Mr. Kosit by himself. Pridiyathorn said he did not know what portfolio Mr.Kosit will be assigned.

"Mr. Kosit is already capable in varied areas, so he can do any job, the central bank chief said.

As for qualifications of whatever person will be new BOT chief replacing Pridiyathorn when he joins the cabinet, BOT assistant governor Atchana Waiquamdee said he or she should be someone who loves working for the public and is devoid of self-seeking in the job.

TNA

Thai PM says new Cabinet may be unveiled Tuesday

BANGKOK, Oct 5 (TNA) - Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont emphasised, amid much media speculation, that he hopes to announce his Cabinet line-up on Tuesday.

Gen. Surayud denied media reports that he plans to take the Cabinet to be sworn in in an audience with His Majesty the King on Tuesday.

Gen. Surayud said he's been misquoted. Such an audience is to be scheduled upon the discretion of the Palace. He said he is simply attempting to announce a Cabinet line-up within seven days from his appointment as he pledged.

Asked to comment on criticism that his Cabinet might be dominated by military figures, Gen. Surayud ruled out having active soldiers as ministers, but allowed for the possibility of some former army men such as himself.

In response to questions regarding the American demand to lift martial law--enforced since the September 19 coup d'etat, the Prime Minister said he could not comment until there is a Cabinet in place. Lifting martial law is a matter of collective decision, he said.

TNA