Govt says no change to advisers, secretaries list

Sukhumphong said the lists had been concluded and would be considered by the Cabinet tomorrow. His comments follow controversy over whether the government would violate the law if it appointed MPs as ministerial secretaries and advisers.

The announcement of candidates for the posts shook the unity of coalition members in recent weeks, as government MPs and candidates who failed to be elected were targeted for posts.

The government finally decided not to consider MPs for the posts.

Pornthip Jala, secretary-general to the Council of State, said earlier the Council board ruled that constituent and party-list MPs could take these positions - but it could not guarantee the Constitution Tribunal would agree, if a person asked for a formal ruling, she said. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej reportedly adjusted seven positions. But two controversial nominees for the posts are still on the list.

They are Wan Yoobamrung, son of Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, and Chonsawat Asavahame, son of Puea Pandin Party chief adviser Vatana Asavahame. Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, son of Prayuth Mahagitsiri, who is close to deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is also said to be among the nominees.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation