"Every incumbent minister should resign in order to pave the way for the prime minister to completely revamp the line-up," Sanan said.

He said only Surayud should stay on to complete the government's term.

"In the past four months, ministers have lived in an ivory tower and have lost touch with the people," he said, stating his view for the underlying reason for the government's sagging popularity.

A Cabinet reshuffle would offer a fresh start to enable the government to regain the public trust, he said.

At the other end of the spectrum, acting Thai Rak Thai party leader Chaturon Chaisang said the changes should be limited to certain positions.

He said Surayud and his ministers should try to boost performance by adjusting their outlook instead of shuffling ministerial portfolios.

"Thai Rak Thai wants to see Surayud complete his job, deemed essential for political stability, and the prevention of any complications in the process of returning power to the people," he said.

The government should reorient its mission from trying to legitimise the September 19 coup to tackling the people's grievances, he added.

In light of the resignation of MR Pridiyathorn Devakula from the positions of deputy prime minister and finance minister, Surayud should name a new finance minister who can fit in with the economic team, Chaturon said, arguing against touching other portfolios.

He also wants the government and the Council for National Security to stop trying to find fault with him and his former ruling party.

Chaturon repeated his stand that his trip last month to meet northeastern constituents had not violated the ban on party-related activities.

"I did not act in breach of national security as alleged by authorities, although my activities may be irritating to the powers that be," he said.