political factors will conspire

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will head the team, dashing earlier hopes that he might tap Supachai Panitchpakdi, the Unctad chief, to be deputy premier in charge of economic affairs.

Yesterday, the Democrat Party appeared to have opted for Korsak Sabhavasu, a party member, to fill this crucial slot, which needs to integrate all critical economic and related policies.

Korn Chatikavanij, a party deputy chief, looked set to be finance minister. One of his deputy ministers will be Pradit Pataraprasit of the Ruamjai Thai Chart Pattana Party, which switched camps to join the Democrat-led coalition.

At the Commerce Ministry, little-known Porntiwa Nakasai of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, another partner of the coalition government, will be the minister, while one of her deputy ministers will be Alongkorn Polabutr, a Democrat. Pramon Sutheevong, head of the Board of Trade, and Kiat Sitthi-amorn, a former head of the International Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, had been top candidates for Commerce, a key portfolio at this juncture.

However, both Pramon and Kiat appeared to have lost their chances due to political considerations involving a major partner in the coalition government.

At the Agriculture Ministry, Chumpol Silapa-archa, a relative of former Chart Thai Party leader Banharn, is a leading candidate, while Thirapol Noplumpa or Sophon Sarum of the Newin faction would take the transport portfolio, which controls one of the biggest government budgets.

Wannarat Charnnukul, a relative of Suwat Lipatapanlop, who has been banned from holding a public office, will take the energy seat.

Veerachai Veeramethikul, related to Charoen Pokphand Group, will be one of the only two outsiders. The other is Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan

Overall, it looks as if Abhisit's likely economic ministers will be far from being a "dream team".