Caretaker Deputy Premier Chidchai Vanasatidya, who acts on behalf of Thaksin, presided over the Cabinet meeting for the first time in his new capacity.

And it appeared the meeting's participants had somewhat more courage to speak out than when Thaksin acted as chairman, a Government House source said.

At the beginning of yesterday's meeting, Chidchai raised concerns about ever-increasing petrol prices. A number of ministers, including Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya, Deputy Premier and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, and Energy Minister Viset Choopiban eagerly took up the issue.

Only a few Cabinet members were absent from yesterday's meeting.

Before the meeting Chidchai, who also serves as justice minister, rejected allegations he was merely the head of a puppet government, with Thaksin pulling the strings.

Piyanart Srivalo, The Nation