PM ensures public he remains until election

This follows a resignation of five ministers, who own shares more than 5 per cent in companies. Three more ministers also hold shares more than 5 per cent, but they insist that the shareholdings are insignificant and do not affect their duty.

With a few months to go before the general election in December, Surayud said he would invite few outsiders to join his Cabinet because there is not much time left.

But Surayud said he could not reveal the names of the Cabinet candidates now until they have been officially endorsed by the royal command.

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin has resigned from chairman of the National Security Council in order to join the Surayud government as deputy prime minister.

Surayud would also assume the interior portfolio in order to look after the general election.

Surayud said he would push for passage of the important laws during this time and lay down the groundwork of ethical conduct for the Thai society.,

Only after the Royal Gazette has announced the date of the election would his government stop to implement any key policies.

Surayud defended the record of his ministers by saying that they have shown their responsibility although they never have any intention to conceal their assets.

The interim constitution permitted Cabinet ministers to own more than five per cent shares in companies but they have to inform the National Counter Corruption Commission and afterward transfer the shares to trustees. This would prevent them from using their positions to benefit their businesses.

Most of the Cabinet members have been invited to join the Surayud government under a very special circumstance because the country went through a coup in November last year.