The task of trying to put together a roster of well-qualified people with no questionable background to serve in his Cabinet was proving a major headache for interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, a source close to him said yesterday.

Some of the candidates turned out to have controversial track records while others had connections with key figures in the deposed government, the source said.

As time was running out - Surayud has promised to submit the Cabinet list by Tuesday - his anxiety was growing, the source said.

Some of the premier's supporters were pushing for their favourites to join the new Cabinet, the source said.

Surayud responded to a reporter's question on whether his Cabinet would be acceptable to the public by saying it would be hard to please everyone, and that he was only human.

"You can't find people without flaws. Myself I'm aware that I'm not extraordinary or more knowledgeable than other people. I have flaws, so will my Cabinet. On this planet you can't see anybody who's 100-per-cent perfect," the retired general said.

When asked to comment on concerns that the Cabinet would be filled with many military officers, he said any Cabinet member with a military career would be retired, like himself.

"They are no longer soldiers, although in their hearts they still are," he said.

Surayud dismissed press reports that he would lead the new government ministers in a swearing-in ceremony before His Majesty the King next Tuesday. He said the Cabinet list would be ready by Tuesday, but that no audience with His Majesty had been scheduled.

The call by the US government for speedy revocation of martial law imposed by the coup-makers would have to wait for a discussion with his Cabinet, he said.

Although the Cabinet make-up has not yet been disclosed, Bank of Thailand Governor Pridiyathorn Devakula is expected to be appointed as deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs while concurrently serving as finance minister.

Krirkkrai Jirapaet, former permanent secretary of the Commerce Ministry, said he was approached to join the Cabinet but declined to reveal for which portfolio.

He said there was no reason

to reject the offer. Krirkkrai is expected to serve as commerce minister.

Dr Vitura Sangsingakeo, former permanent secretary for the Public Health Ministry, has emerged as a leading candidate to return as its minister.

Bangkok Bank executive chairman Kosit Panpiemras is expected to serve as deputy premier and agriculture minister, Nitya Pibulsongkram as foreign minister, Ajva Taulanond as industry minister and Piyasvasti Amranand as energy minister.