Surayud said the list of civilian ministers would be ready either today or tomorrow, but declined to confirm his earlier timeline of seeking royal approval for the appointments by next Tuesday.

Wichit Srisa-an, former permanent secretary for university affairs, said he had accepted Surayud's offer for him to serve as the education minister and planned to focus on restructuring the educational system.

"I believe the new government will be serious about educational reform. Although I will have only one year in office, I will set guidelines for future changes. Reform will take time," he said.

He is a former Democrat MP, but left the party two years ago and does not think he will be accused of any bias in his expected new role.

"I have to thank the Democrat Party for all the good experiences. I now have a better understanding about politics," he said.

Yongyuth Yuthawong, the first director of the National Science and Technology Development Agency and currently a senior researcher at the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, said he had accepted Surayud's informal invitation to help out in science affairs.

If he took up the science and technology portfolio, his urgent task would be to create an environment to turn Thailand into a "knowledge-based society". As a scientist, he would have a better understanding of technical issues.

"This administration will have limited time, only one year, in office. So I must do my best," he said.

General Boonrod Somthat, a former Army chief-of-staff, who is tipped to become the new defence minister, said Surayud had approached him to join his team.

Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is expected to become deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs, a source close to him said.

Paiboon Wattanasiritham, chairman of the Community Organisation Development Institute, has been approached by the prime minister to serve as social development and human security minister, a source said.

Political Desk

The Nation