Thai leader announces new Cabinet

Thailand's military-installed premier Surayud Chulanont has unveiled his Cabinet after receiving approval from the country's revered King, an official said.

"The King endorsed the list of cabinet ministers just before midnight," chief government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said.

Mr Surayud's spokesman tipped Bank of Thailand governor Pridiyathorn Devaluka as finance minister and deputy prime minister, while former ambassador to the United States Nitya Pibulsonggram was named foreign minister.

Mr Nitya had also served as the chief negotiator for free trade agreement talks between Thailand and the United States, the kingdom's biggest trading partner.

Mr Surayud, a former army chief, was appointed prime minister by the ruling junta following last month's bloodless coup that toppled the government of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

In the wake of the coup, the military imposed martial law, scrapped planned elections, banned public rallies and threatened action against the media.

Martial law still remains in force while a new constitution, unveiled by the junta earlier this month, gave the military broad powers over the Surayud Government, including the right to sack him.

Mr Surayud will serve as prime minister until elections promised for October 2007 by the military.

- AFP