"I will use about three to four days to think and to consult with our cabinet about the reshuffle of the cabinet and who will be the new finance minister," Surayud said.

As of now, Deputy Prime Minister and Industry minister Kosit Panpiamrat is assigned to oversee economic affairs until the new finance minister is appointed, he said.

The name of the new finance minister will be announced only after it is granted the royal approval, he said.

Commenting on Pridiyathorn's claim that a certain cabinet member had worked in favour of certain media and such favour could likely violated the laws, Surayud said the government's legal team would be responsible for clarifying the matters.

Many speculated that Pridiyathorn's "certain minister" was PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan.

Thirapat told reporters on Thursday that he will explain about the matter next week.

Meanwhile Pridiyathorn went to his former office to pack his belongings as his resignation took effect on Thursday.

by Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

The Nation