Private sector glum over new cabinet

However, the private sector is unsure if the right persons will be entrusted with the right jobs.

The list of new Cabinet members has been submitted for royal endorsement, with most portfolios going to MPs, suggesting a House dissolution could be in the offing.

The new Cabinet is due to have an audience with the King tomorrow.

According to sources, General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Olarn Chaipravat will be deputy premiers, while Suchart Thadathamrongvech will be finance minister.

Chaiya Sasomsub and Santi Prompat will be commerce and transport ministers, respectively, while Pol General Pracha Promnok will be industry minister.

Sompong Amornwiwat will be deputy premier and foreign minister, while Chalerm Yoobamrung and the little-known Srimuang Charernsiri will be public health and education ministers, respectively.

Analysts said the absence of prominent outsiders for key economic and other portfolios such as the Foreign Ministry suggests the new government would be short-lived, with the probability of a House dissolution in the next few months.

Premier Somchai, a brother-in-law of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, however, reassured that public interest was foremost in drawing up the Cabinet list.

Pramon Sutivong, chairman of the Board of Trade, said the economic minister choices, as previously reported in the mass media, are clearly "disappointing".

"Several veteran politicians still cling to power at key ministries and this shows coalition parties just bargain for their own best interests," Pramon said.

Previously, competent outsiders were expected to take up key economic ministries - commerce, industry, energy and transport - so that the new Cabinet could steer Thailand out of economic troubles amid global uncertainties.

Suchart Chantaranakaracha, chairman of the Thai National Shippers' Council, urged the Somchai government to quickly restore peace in the country and promote private investment through relaxation of rules.