Samak says reshuffle of three positions only

He said the vacant seat left by the resignation of Social Development and Human Security Minister Sutha Chansaeng would be filled. Other changes might affect the two Cabinet members facing legal trouble involving asset declaration.

Sutha tendered his resignation recently, citing health problems.

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap and Deputy Commerce Minister Wiroon Techapaiboon have announced their intention to remain in office to fight legal battles resulting from discrepancies in the compulsory submission of their and their spouses' financial reports.

The premier said that if the court proceedings were to take too long, the Cabinet shake-up would involve only one position.  "If it doesn't take too long or if the two ministers opt to step down, the changes will involve three positions. I'm not pressuring anyone. It's their [Chaiya and Wiroon's] right to fight in court," he said.

Samak said the Cabinet reshuffle would not involve PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair, as has been speculated in the wake of a controversial speech he made at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand following the September 2006 coup. The PM said Jakrapob should be regarded as innocent as long as there is no court ruling against him.

Jakrapob, a staunch supporter of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, explained yesterday that he made the speech in question, which was about Thailand's patronage system, more than a year ago. "I insist that in my speech I had no intentions of referring to the high authority. It was an analysis of society," he said.