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Published on October 3, 2007

Prime Minister Sura-yud Chulanont will double as interior minister and oversee the general election, he said.

"I plan to do that and I intend to do my best,'' he said.

He has reshuffled his Cabinet and submitted the new line up for royal approval, which is expected today.

His Majesty the King yesterday endorsed the appointment of General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the former Army commander-in-chief and chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), as a deputy prime minister.

Surayud's revelation ended speculation Sonthi would be appointed interior minister. The powerful ministry is in charge of general elections.

The prime minister appeared on national television yesterday to assure the public he would continue to lead the country until the election and would maintain the country's economic, political and social progress.

The television address came as pressure on Surayud to resign was stepped up. The calls for him to quit were sparked by the shareholding controversy involving some of his ministers. Five Cabinet members resigned as a result.

Surayud submitted Sonthi's appointment to His Majesty on Sunday following Sonthi's retirement at Army chief.

Surayud on Monday spoke with Deputy Interior Minister Banyat Jansena.

Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham said Surayud yesterday called on Cabinet members to unite and continue working for the sake of the country. Tasks before them include mass-transport legislation headed for the National Legislative Assembly.

A source said Surayud told members at today's meeting to take care with their public statements, show solidarity and ensure the executives steers the country to a successful general election.

The source said all eyes turned to Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan, who recently called on ministers implicated in shareholding allegations to step down,

Meanwhile, Sonthi denied he stepped aside as CNS chief and accepted a deputy prime ministers' post because he intended to enter politics at the next poll.

He said the new Constitution removed all powers of the CNS chief and had been exercising power through the Internal Security Operations Command and as Army commander-in-chief since it took effect.

"Once I stepped down as Army chief, the CNS position did not have any significance or meaning,'' he said.

He denied his becoming a deputy prime minister was an attempt to cling to power. He said it was "well intentioned".

"The public should know the difference between clinging to power and good intentions, otherwise the country will not have peace,'' he said.

When asked his response to those who want him out of politics, he asked who these people were and added: "You have to look at the majority. Do not think of sentiment,'' he said.

He said he did not know the legality surrounding the succession of leadership should Surayud resign.

When Surayud met with the five resigning ministers on Monday he asked them for their continued help. Former Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya offered to assist his replacement.

Sonthi said he would fight drug traders because they could destabilise the general election by supporting some political groups.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation