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Published on January 2, 2008

The People Power Party (PPP) has approached former finance ministers Virabongsa Ramangkula and Thanong Bhidaya to be the finance minister under its coalition government, the party's secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee said yesterday.However, neither had decided whether to accept the offer, he said.

Thanong held the finance post in the government of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

PPP will run five key economic ministries in its coalition government, Surapong said.

The party plans to run the ministries of Finance, Transport, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Commerce and Tourism and Sports, he said.

A PPP member would also head the Public Health Ministry, he added.

PPP leader Samak Sundaravej announced on Monday the formation of a coalition with Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Matchima Thipataya and Pracharaj, which have a total of 254 seats.

Surapong said PPP would discuss with its coalition partners tomorrow about which party would take over the ministries of Interior and Defence. PPP would allow coalition parties to take control of the Industry and Labour ministries, he said.

Surapong dismissed speculation he would become Transport Minister. He said the party had not come to a decision on the issue.

Meanwhile, a PPP source said the party and its coalition parties had agreed to invite a number of well-known, socially respected public figures to hold Cabinet posts. It would boost the image of the PPP-led government after some people alleged it would appoint "low-quality" ministers, the source said.

Samak reportedly sent one of his close aides to meet Thaksin in Hong Kong to report on his Monday press conference that announced the coalition formation.

Samak is said to have declined to talk with Thaksin on the phone because he was afraid of being eavesdropped.

The Nation