New cabinet line-up to finish in a few days : PM

 He added that the new Cabinet would not be ready for its first meeting on Tuesday because he was still waiting for names from the coalition parties.

A source said ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra still played a crucial role in the list, which was taken to him by former deputy PPP leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat on Wednesday. Yongyuth returned from London yesterday.

Yongyuth and Thaksin also discussed the leader and other executives of the Puea Thai Party, which is set to elect its executive board tomorrow. The party is seen as a substitute for the People Power Party in case it gets dissolved.

Newin Chidchob reportedly flew to meet Thaksin yesterday amid speculation that his group could be given a reduced ministerial quota. A source said Thaksin, however, might refuse to meet Newin.

Other PPP factions have also tried to break up Newin's bloc by luring members with attractive ministerial posts.

Latest reports about the Cabinet line-up say that Sompong Amornwiwat would be given the interior portfolio and Chalerm Yoobamrung one for justice.

Somchai himself is expected to become the defence minister. Former army chief and prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said Somchai was suitable to hold the defence minister's post concurrently with his premiership.

Puea Pandin Party leader Suwit Khunkitti, who had earlier riled PPP members, could be made deputy prime minister and industry minister, much to the dissatisfaction of some MPs, sources said.

Suwit visited the prime minister at his home today to reportedly discuss his postings, and the two agreed upon Suwit's portfolios despite strong opposition from PPP MPs.

 "Somchai told Suwit he was sorry for the hostility from PPP MPs, and promised that Puea Pandin would be given five seats as in the previous quota," a source said.

Forty MPs from the Friends of Newin group yesterday wrote Somchai a letter opposing Suwit's return, saying Suwit was not sincere enough and looked like he was leaning more toward the People's Alliance for Democracy.

However, Puea Pandin spokesman Chaiyos Chirametakorn said the new PM had apologised to Suwit about this opposition. "The PM said senior PPP members were not against Suwit, that it is just the junior members," Chaiyos said.

Meanwhile, acting Transport Minister Santi Prompat, who is a Newin supporter and reportedly kicked out of the new Cabinet, tried to make amends and apologised to first lady Yaowapa. Santi had earlier said that Yaowapa was pushing her husband for the PM's post.