Post-coup Thai Cabinet undergoes fourth reshuffle

The Straits Times, April 29, 2007


BANGKOK - THAILAND'S army-backed Premier Surayud Chulanont shored up his Cabinet yesterday - in the fourth Cabinet change since the former general took office after a September coup.

The reshuffle came a day after some 4,000 Thais took part in anti-government protests in Bangkok that were organised by allies of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Gen Surayud added three deputy ministers to his Cabinet after Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved them on Friday, said government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp. The new deputies will work for the tourism, health and interior ministries.

The Surayud Cabinet has suffered falling public support as Thais become increasingly disillusioned by a series of policy miscues, including poor economic management. It has also been criticised for its handling of the escalating insurgency in the Muslim-majority south.

AFP