Chuan ally named to replace Sanan

BANGKOK (AFP): The deputy leader of the ruling Democrat Party, Banyat Banthadtan, is to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai announced today. Banyat’s appointment will fill the two Cabinet posts left vacant by Sanan Kachornprasart who resigned last week after being accused of filing a false financial statement with the National Counter Corruption Commission. A veteran politician, Banyat served as Deputy Prime Minister between 1992 and 1995 in the previous Chuan administration. Like Chuan, Banyat comes from southern Thailand and the two have been close associates since 1975. Banyat’s appointment will be submitted for confirmation to HM the King, though perhaps not before Songkran, Chuan said. Observers expect further reshuffling of the cabinet in coming weeks.