"The new schemes will surely not contradict free trade or a market-led economy," Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras said after meeting ministers to draft the policies.

The government's economic team would hold a meeting with foreign trade representatives and investors by the weekend, and Kosit believed they would be convinced the new government sees a free economy as vital for boosting the national economy.

"Our goal is to lift the living status of rural and poor people," he said. The Cabinet would complete its policy framework by tomorrow, Kosit said, but refused to reveal details of the policies.

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said the drafting panel would discuss the proposed policies with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Monday before seeking Cabinet approval on Tuesday, if no amendments were needed.

According to the interim Constitution, PM Surayud will have to address the National Legislative Assembly on approved policies shortly after its first meeting.

Meanwhile, most Bangkok residents believe Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's Cabinet will have more transparency than the previous one, an Abac poll said yesterday.

The Poll Research Centre of Assumption University questioned 1,122 people on October 9-10 about current political affairs after the new Cabinet was announced.

As many as 66.6 per cent of poll respondents said the Cabinet members will have more transparency than Thaksin's Cabinet. Only 3.7 per cent said the current government would be less transparent.