Job assignments for six deputy prime ministers

Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat ranks first in seniority to fill in as acting prime minister should Samak be absent or unable to perform his job.

The lineup of other five deputies is Surapong Suebwonglee, Mingkwan Saengsuwan, Sahas Banditkul, Sanan Kachornprasart and Suwit Khunkitti.

Somchai, who is doubling as education minister, is in charge of overseeing four ministries   Education, Social Development and Human Security, Interior, and Culture, as well as two agencies - Public Sector Development Commission and Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment.

He is also empowered for three tasks  enforce the Civil Service Act and its relevant regulations, enforce provisions relating to administrative litigations and sign the power of attorney for public prosecutors to represent the prime minister relating to administrative disputes.

Surapong, who is doubling as finance minister, is in charge of overseeing two ministries  Finance and Public Health, and four agencies - National Economic and Social Development Board, National Village and Urban Community Fund, National Health Commission and Office of Knowledge Management Committee.

Mingkwan, concurrently commerce minister, is in charge of overseeing three ministries - Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Labour, and four agencies - Consumer Protection Board, Public Relations Department, Office of National Research Council of Thailand and Research Fund.

Sahas, concurrently transport minister, is in charge of overseeing four ministries - Transport, Natural Resources and Environment, Energy, and Science and Technology, and one agency - Cabinet Secretariat.

Sanan is in charge of overseeing two ministries - Agriculture and Tourism and Sports, and two agencies - Thailand Conventions and Exhibition Bureau and Office for Special Zone Development for Sustainable Tourism.

Suwit, who is doubling as industry minister, is in charge of overseeing two ministries - Industry and Information and Communication Technology.

PM's Office Minister Chusak Sirinil is tasked to supervise three agencies - Consumer Protection Board, Public Sector Development Commission and National Buddhism Office.

PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair is responsible for the supervision of three agencies - Office of Permanent Secretary for PM's Office, Public Relations Department and statecontrolled MCOT Plc.

The Nation