This is the second time Karun's term has been extended - the government says there are many important matters for him to deal with, including a balance-of-trade problem, an aggressive marketing strategy and strengthening the Kingdom's competitiveness in trade.

A reshuffle of high-ranking officials also took place at the Industry Ministry, the Energy Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).

Caretaker Deputy Finance Minister Chaiyot Sasomsub said his ministry would finalise the list of officials to be reshuffled on Friday, then submit it to Cabinet next Tuesday.

If approved, the reshuffle would take effect on October 1. However, there are concerns that changes in high-ranking positions should not be approved by a caretaker government that may or may not return to power after the election.

At the Commerce Ministry, following approval, Rachane Potjanasuntorn, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department (FTD), will head the Insurance Department; Apiradi Tantraporn, director-general of the Trade Negotiations Department (TND), will manage the FTD; and TND inspector-general Chutima Bunyapraphasara will replace Apiradi.

Also, Puangrat Asavapisit, Thai ambassador to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, will become director-general of the Business Development Department.

Three C-10 Commerce personnel will retire this year: Insurance Department director-general Potjanee Thanavaranit, Business Development Department director-general Orajit Singkalavanich and chief inspector-general Suchit Apiradee.

At the Industry Ministry, inspectors Direk Rattanawit and Vitoon Simachokdee are to be appointed deputy permanent secretaries.

Industrial Works Department deputy director-general Kosol Chairangsee and Industrial Promotion Department deputy director-general Prapat Wanapitak will be appointed ministry inspectors.

Primary Industries and Mines Department director-general Anusorn Nuangpholmak also won a term extension, for one year. His term will now end on November 3, 2007.

"There are many projects under the department that must be continued," said Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

At the NESDB, retiring deputy secretary-general Santi Bang-or will be replaced by policy and planning adviser Chuthamas Baramichai.

At the Energy Ministry, deputy permanent secretary Norkhun Sithipong will be promoted to permanent secretary, replacing Cherdpong Siriwit who will retire on September 30.