Cabinet list to be submitted to King in week

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will hand over the list of his cabinet members to His Majesty the King for approval in a week.

People Power Party spokesman Kuthep Saikrachang said the leading government party had left the business of lining up the cabinet to the prime minister who is expected to hand it over to His Majesty the King in a week.

The cabinet list will not be unveiled until after it has been approved by the monarch, the PPP spokesman said.

Asked if Mr. Samak had made any change to the list of ministerial nominees forwarded from PPP secretary general Suraphong Suebwonglee, Mr. Kuthep said the prime minister, who is concurrently leader of the PPP, has the deserved right to do anything in regard to his cabinet list.

Meanwhile, outgoing prime minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont and most of his cabinet members did not

come to work at Government House on Wednesday.

Outgoing deputy prime minister Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin had his personal belongings packed at his office there while outgoing deputy prime minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham called on the Samak government to run the country on basis of good governance and ethics.

Outgoing Prime Minister's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan posed for photographs with Government House officials.

No senior government officials attended a scheduled meeting at Government House chaired by outgoing Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan.

--MCOT 2008-01-30

PPP Ministerial positions to be submitted to HM the King today

The People Power Party (PPP) spokesman, Lt. Kuthep Saikrajang (กุเทพ ใสกระจ่าง), announces the results of an executive party meeting to discuss the selections of ministers for the new government. Lieutenant Kuthep says the PPP secretary-general, Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี), and PPP deputy leader Somchai Wongsawas (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) have submitted the selections to the incoming Prime Minister, Mr. Samak Sundaravej. He believes the selections will be considered and submitted for royal approval no later than today (January 31st).

The list of selected individuals to assume different ministerial positions will be disclosed to the general public once they are endorsed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Prime Minister Samak has congratulated his party’s executive committee for expediently creating the list and incorporating decisions of other parties within the coalition government. He says he is pleased in their ability to compromise with ease and to hold discussions in a relaxed manner.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 January 2008