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They were Natural Resources and Environment Minister Kasem Sanidwong na Ayudhaya and Deputy Foreign Minister Saowanit Kongsiri.

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) have accused last week five cabinet members of having shares in companies in excess of a five per cent limit imposed on ministers prior to the coup, but which is not a punishable offence under the interim constitution.

Surayud said the three others; Interior Minister Vijit Sri-saarn, Public Health Minister Dr Mongkol na Songkhla and Deputy Finance Minister Phasee, refused to resign as they viewed that their holding of shares in the firms did not violate the laws.

The prime minister was speaking after chairing a special cabinet meeting to consider the NCCC's charges over the cabinet members.

In the meeting, he said, he allowed each cabinet member to explain and defend themselves on the NCCC's accusations.

Monday's resignation will make five cabinet positions vacant as three other ministers earlier accused by NCCC on the same charges had already resigned.

"Therefore, I have to reshuffle the cabinet. But I am well aware of the remaining time left beforre the country has the national election scheduled in December 23, I will make a minor reshuffle," he said.

He said he expects to submit list of new cabinet members for the Royal endorsement within this week.

The prime minister criticised NCCC of releasing the list to the media without informing the cabinet members. He said he instructed that next time the NCCC should contact each cabinet member it is investigating instead of telling the media.