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According to a source, the reshuffle could include the replacement for former deputy premier, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who quit after anti-government protesters clashed with the police on October 7. His replacement is expected to be a People Power Party politician. However, the source said, the PM might want to appoint a deputy for Education Minister Srimuang Chareonsiri instead.

"The ministry is far too large for just one man to handle. Besides, Srimuang is still a novice in politics," the source said.

The list is expected to include names of those who failed to get any posts in Somchai's cabinet such as Somchai Phetprasert from the Korat faction, Pongphan Sunthornthong from Newin Chidchob's group, and Boonlue Prasertsopha from central region group.

Meanwhile, despite continuous pressure from protesters, Somchai seems to remain confident.

"The PM is not discouraged and is stronger than we think," Songkram Kijlertpairote, deputy commerce minister said after a lunch meeting with the PM and PPP ministers yesterday.

Somchai told his party members that foreign envoys, whom he had met at a party organised by the US Embassy to mark the presidential elections, had expressed confidence in his government.

However, though the prime minister looks self-assured, he seems to have lost weight. Somchai told reporters that he has been so busy since taking over as PM that he has lost five kilograms.