Bush congratulates Samak - White House

US President George W Bush telephoned Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Monday to congratulate him on becoming prime minister, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

"They briefly discussed the importance of U.S.-Thai relations, and President Bush said he looks forward to seeing the Prime Minister in the future," she told reporters.

Samak said the US President talked to him over the phone last night for five minutes. He said the US will continue its support that had earlier been suspended to commemorate 175 years of Thai and US relation.

US has suspended military assistance to Thailand following the September coup in 2006. After Samak is appointed as the 25th prime minister, US Ambassador to Thailand Eric John said the assistance will likely be resumed. 

 Meanwhile Samak told reporters that his new cabinet is expected to receive royal endorsement and be sworn in on Wednesday

"Tomorrow at 4:30 pm. I will bring the new cabinet to have an audience with His Majesty," Samak said.

Samak however declined to disclose the names of his cabinet ministers to be submitted to HM the King for approval.