george Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 King endorses new cabinet; Opposition abandons hope for new administration BANGKOK: -- Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Wednesday gave royal approval to new cabinet under Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. The new cabinet ministers -- most of whom were ministers in the outgoing administration of Samak Sundaravej -- will have an audience with the king for an oath-taking ceremony on Thursday evening at his palace in Hua Hin district before officially undertaking their new duties. The 61-year-old prime minister, royally appointed Thailand's 26th prime minister last Thursday, will concurrently hold the defence minister's portfolio in the new cabinet. Surprisingly, former prime minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was appointed deputy prime minister along with Chavarat Charnvirakul, retired Maj-Gen. Sanan Kajornprasart, former banker Olarn Chaipravat, and Sompong Amornwiwat who will also be foreign minister. Mr. Sompong, justice minister in the outgoing administration, faces an uphill task holding the foreign ministerial portfolio because he lacks international relations experience, and is asked to resolve Thailand's border problem with neighbouring Cambodia and chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) until the end of 2009. Suchart Thadadamrongwej was elevated from deputy finance minister to minister, with Pradit Pataraprasit as his deputy, retaining his post. Another deputy finance minister is Ranongrak Suwanchawee. Chaiya Sasomsup retained his commerce ministry portfolio as did Pol. Gen. Kowit Wattana who was able to cling to the interior ministerial portfolio but lost his deputy prime minister post in the new cabinet. Another surprise -- considered unwelcome by some -- sprang up in the new administration when former interior minister Chalerm Yoobamrung returned as public health minister. The outspoken politician with no knowledge of medical affairs is known to be a close ally of ousted, fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now seeking political asylum in Britain. Former national police chief Pol. Gen. Pracha Promnok was appointed industry minister. The new cabinet received lukewarm response from opposition Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva soon after it was announced on television and radio stations. Mr. Abhisit said there were hardly any new faces in the new administration and it would be difficult for it to gain confidence from the public which is looking to solutions for the country's prevailing problems. "Many of the ministers were criticised earlier and they're still in this cabinet," said Mr. Abhisit, adding that earlier criticisms that the cabinet would be formed by those engaged in politics and efficient persons would be left out. The new cabinet should not think of a honeymoon period because the country is already facing a palatte of problems including floods in widespread parts of the country, political turmoil and economic problems, said Mr. Abhisit. "Hopes for improvements by the prime minister are misplaced," said Mr. Abhisit, sarcastically. "It's not going to happen," -- TNA 2008-09-24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted September 24, 2008 Author Share Posted September 24, 2008 New Cabinet to be sworn in Thursday: Yaowapha BANGKOK: -- Yaowapha Wongsawat, the wife of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, said Wednesday that members of the new Cabinet will be granted an audience with His Majesty the King on Thursday to be sworn in. She said the Cabinet members will have a group photo at the Don Muang military airport. -- The Nation 2008-09-24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted September 24, 2008 Author Share Posted September 24, 2008 Official Cabinet line-up Following is the offiical list of members of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's Cabinet. Prime Minister and Defence Minister: Somchai Wongsawat Deputy Prime Ministers: Olarn Chaipravat Chavalit Yongchaiyudh Chaovarat Chanweerakul Sanan Kachornprasart Sompong Amornwiwat (also Foreign Minister) PM's Office Ministers Sukhumpong Ngonkham Supon Fongngam Finance Minister Suchart Thadathamrongvech Deputy Finance Ministers Pradit Pataraprasit Ranongrak Suwanchawee Transport Minister Santi Prompat Deputy Transport Ministers Sophon Salum Varawut Silapa-archa Interior Minister Kowit Watana Deputy Interior Ministers Prasong Kositanon Preecha Rengsomboonsuk Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsap Deputy Commerce Minister Banyin Tangpakorn Songkram Kijlertpairote Industry Minister Pracha Promnok Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul Agriculture Minister Somsak Prissanananthakul Deputy Agriculture Ministers Sompat Kaewpijit Theerachai Saenkaew Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung Deputy Health Minister Wicharn Meenchainant Education Minister Srimuang Chareonsiri Justice Minister Somsak KIartsuranont Social Development and Human Security Minister Udomdet Rattanasathien Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan ThepsuthIn Information and Communications Technology Minister Mun Patanotai Science Minister Wutthipong Chaisang Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong Culture Minister Worawat Uaapinyakul Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat -- The Nation 2008-09-24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts