PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan was left with only MCOT among his duties yesterday after the premier reassigned responsibilities among Cabinet members.

Thirapat, as the minister in charge of the government's mass-media policy, had been supervising the government's two broadcast media - MCOT Plc and the Public Relations Department (PRD).

But he became the centre of controversy after allowing ASTV, which has been reported as not operating under the law, to air on the PRD's TV Channel 11, fuelling criticism that he was practising double standards.

He also could not deliver when the Surayud administration needed a publicity offensive to counter growing disaffection among the populace.

In the distribution of duties, Thirapat was expected to reduce his role over state-run media but he defended himself.

Finally, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont had to move the PRD under Dhipavadee Meksawan, another PM's Office minister.

Thirapat insisted that his jurisdiction was not eroded. He didn't oversee the PRD because Dhipavadee has to solve the problem of TITV, formerly known as iTV, which was under the PRD's control.

"It didn't involve the ASTV case. The premier considered that Khunying Dhipavadee should oversee the PRD, which has to go with TITV," he said.

Even if he runs only MCOT, he still has the media war room and the National Buddhism Office, which was formerly under Dhipavadee's control, he said.

Dhipavadee said she would consult with Thirapat about the PRD and the plan to improve its work.

"I will make the PRD the media of the people. The department has to report [news] openly and also foster two-way communication with the people," she said.

Surayud also delegated tasks to his two deputies, while retaining control over the Justice and Finance portfolios.

Kosit Panpiemras would handle economic affairs, helped by the Commerce, Energy and Industry ministries. Paiboon Wattanasiri-tham would look after social affairs through the Public Health, Education and Culture ministries, as well as his own Social Develop-ment and Human Security Ministry.