"It is my mission to introduce transparency in dispensing key appointments," he said.

Kasem chaired his first meeting with ranking officials since assuming office on Monday. He said he would strive to ensure the job review was based on performance and not personal or party ties.

The vacant top positions in four departments will be filled in due course after he is satisfied with the qualifications of contenders for the job. The four departments are in charge of national parks, wildlife and plant conservation, marine and coastal resources, and mineral resources and forestry.

Before the September 19 coup, Yongyuth faced criticism for mobilising his officials to support his Thai Rak Thai Party. In regard to the country's major reforestation project, Kasem said he had ordered a review on the disbursement of the Bt1-billion budget.

The funds in question might be diverted to other useful projects such as those relating to forest conservation work, he said. After the review, the reforestation project will likely be improved to ensure the true recovery of forest areas, he said.