Samak 'to double up'
Incoming prime minister Samak Sundaravej is likely to double as defence minister, and will appoint four deputy prime ministers, according to a source in his People Power Party (PPP)
The deputy PMs will be Somchai Wongsawat, brother-in-law of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and Mingkwan Saengsuwan from the PPP, Sanan Kachornprasart from Chart Thai, and Suwit Khunkitti from Puea Pandin.
Somchai will also serve as culture minister, Mingkwan will double as commerce minister, and Suwit will concurrently be industry minister, the source said. Lesser-known politicians close to banned former Thai Rak Thai executives will also be appointed to the new Cabinet, the source said. They include Santi Prompat, who is tipped to get the coveted transport portfolio; Sutha Chansaeng, likely to be minister for social development and human security; and Supon Fong-ngam, tipped to be made deputy interior minister.
Samak yesterday said his Cabinet line-up was 80 per cent complete and he expected it to be ready by February 5.
The Nation
Related Stories
Top Stories
- Protesters storm into NBT station on Vipavadi road
- Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for PAD's nine leaders
- Our tolerance is limited: Samak
- Who is the real 'Revenue Department'? : Anand
- Thaksin stands to lose a fortune in 'unusual wealth'
- Samak issues ultimatum to PAD
- Police and PAD in a standoff at Gov't House
- Army chief holds the trump card
- Thaksin to seek asylum, says his lawyer
- Next month crucial for '2-faced PM'
Politics Blog
Sonthi VS Sondhi
Junta chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin is still optimistic about his ally Sondhi Limthongkul.
Who is the Client? Temasek or Thaksin
Surin Upatkoon, the main shareholder in the controversial Kularb Kaew Co, was yesterday charged with a criminal offence for alleged illegal representation of a foreign company under the Foreign Business Act 1999.
Video
Tel 66-2-338-3000(Call Center), 66-2-338-3333, Fax 66-2-338-3334