The government was accused of violating Article 215 of the Constitution for failing to secure EC endorsement before appointing Rongphol Charoenphanthu, permanent secretary of the PM's Office, as Cabinet secretary-general, filling the seat vacated by Borwornsak Uwanno.

The government also appointed PM's adviser Peeraphan Prempooti as permanent secretary for the PM's Office.

Article 215 requires that an outgoing government abstain from appointing, transferring or dismissing a permanent official, an official receiving a salary or an official of a state agency or state enterprise, except with the EC's approval.

Vasana said he could not remember if the Cabinet sought the EC's green light to appoint six provincial governors early last month.

"If we have already approved the appointment, we cannot make any comment. In practice, during a royal decree to hold a general election, transfers or reshuffles of government officials are not allowed out of political etiquette," he said.