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Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas, who revealed the news on Thursday, said he supported the idea. Army chief Sonthi currently oversees national security and meets the prime minister regularly to handle such matters.

Boonrawd said Sonthi could have been appointed deputy PM already, as the interim charter allowed that, but the Army chief had not taken the post previously.

"It is likely he would accept it after he retires. It is up to the PM whether he will reshuffle the Cabinet,'' the minister said.

Surayud, when asked about the idea, said he would consider a Cabinet reshuffle after Sonthi retires.

Meanwhile, Boonrawd said no one could protest about the appointment of General Anupong Paochinda as the new Army chief on October 1, following Thursday's royal command.

Sonthi said he had appointed Anupong because he was qualified for the post. The Army chief had to have courage, knowledge, loyalty, and discipline.

"Anupong has both integrity and competency. He is bold and wise. The next Army chief must be able to continue the work to curb violence in the South and maintain internal security."

Sonthi said General Saprang Kalayanamitr should accept the post of deputy permanent secretary of Defence and not quit.

Former prime minister General Chavalit Yong-chaiyudh said Anupong had earned trust as he rose through the ranks, so he was acceptable as the next Army commander.

Defence Ministry dep-uty permanent secretary Admiral Bannawit Kengrien, said he had called Saprang and told him not to regret missing the chance to become the new Army chief. But he added that nepotism had affected the reshuffle.

"The use of connectionsis evident as some officials have been promoted to the military's Defence Energy Department. The Council for National Security is trying to uncover corruption by the Thaksin government and Shinawatra family but it practices the same thing by promoting families to key posts to protect vested interests,'' he said.