The source said Thaksin wants to discuss an overall reshuffle.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said ministries were required to present their annual rotation list of highest-ranking officials to the Cabinet on August 1. The reshuffle list of lower-ranking C10 officials had to be submitted on August 8.

The moves are controversial because Thaksin heads a caretaker government and appointments need approval from the Election Commission.

The Cabinet has already approved the appointment of Labour Department permanent secretary Somchai Wongsawat as Justice Ministry permanent secretary. Somchai is Thaksin's brother-in-law and was previously at the helm of Justice for several years before being posted to Labour.

Justice Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya defended the decision to return Somchai to his Ministry. "Somchai is highly qualified for the post. He's a former judge and oversaw the Justice Ministry during its latest restructuring," he said.

Chidchai denied reports that Somchai's return had some ulterior political motive.

"Don't politicise the issue," he said. "You should see if this man is up to the job. Do you want to see all politicians' relatives resign?"

Thaksin also denied that he was behind Somchai's return to the Justice Ministry.

Somchai said his transfer was perfectly normal because he had been transferred several times before.

"It's up to our supervisors to decide. As a government official, I can work at any place so long as it benefits the public and the country," he said, adding that he would personally have preferred to stay at the Labour Ministry.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation