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Thai PM Announces Controversial Cabinet

By the Associated Press

Posted Dec 20, 2008 10:12 AM CST
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(AP) – Thailand's prime minister unveiled his new cabinet today, including a supporter of last month's airport blockade in a lineup that cast doubt on the government's ability to unite the divided nation, the AP reports. The announcement came after King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the country's revered monarch, endorsed Abhisit Vejjajiva, whom lawmakers voted in as prime minister on Dec. 15. The cabinet will be sworn in Monday.

The selection that drew the most criticism was Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, a career diplomat who was a prominent supporter of protesters who occupied the prime minister's office compound for three months and then blockaded Bangkok's two airports in late November. He is a Georgetown University graduate and former ambassador to the US, Japan, Germany, Indonesia and the former Soviet Union.

Thai civil servants stationed at Government House participate in a merit making ceremony.
Thai civil servants stationed at Government House participate in a merit making ceremony.   (AP Photo)
Thailand's new Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva greets supporters at the Democrat Party headquarters Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Thailand's new Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva greets supporters at the Democrat Party headquarters Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, center, arrives for a staged cleanup of Government House yesterday.
Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, center, arrives for a staged cleanup of Government House yesterday.   (AP Photo)
Leader of the Democrat Party Abhisit Vejjajiva knees down and greets as he receives King Bhumibol Adulyadej's command appointing him Thailand's Prime Minister.
Leader of the Democrat Party Abhisit Vejjajiva knees down and greets as he receives King Bhumibol Adulyadej's command appointing him Thailand's Prime Minister.   (AP Photo)
Leader of Democrat Party and Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Leader of Democrat Party and Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.   (AP Photo)
Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, center, along with caretaker Prime Minister Chawarat Chandeerakul, second left.
Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, center, along with caretaker Prime Minister Chawarat Chandeerakul, second left.   (AP Photo)
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Cabinet • Thailand • Asia • protests • Bangkok • airport • prime minister

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