The powerful defence, interior, foreign affairs and finance portfolios were all given to lawmakers loyal to the former prime minister.

New PM Samak Sundaravej took on defence while Noppadon Pattama, Mr Thaksin's legal adviser, became foreign minister.

The finance portfolio went to Surapong Suebwonglee, Mr Thaksin's ex-spokesman.

Mr Thaksin has been in self-imposed exile since the September 2006 coup and faces corruption charges in Thailand. New parliament meets in Thailand ...
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But his allies formed the People Power Party (PPP) and won the largest share of the vote in the first post-coup elections late last year.

The PPP have formed a governing coalition with five smaller parties, paving the way for Mr Thaksin's possible return to Thailand.

Defence role

King Bhumibol Adulyadej swore in the new cabinet at a short ceremony at his palace in the capital, Bangkok.

Mr Samak becomes only the third civilian to hold the position of defence minister.

The prime minister said earlier he wanted the role in order to facilitate communication with military leaders who had led the coup.

Other key posts went to top PPP leaders.

Party Secretary-General Surapong Suebwonglee, a medical doctor, was given the finance ministry, while deputy party leader Chalerm Yoobamrung took on the interior portfolio.

Noppadon Pattama, who is representing Mr Thaksin in his fight against corruption charges, was named foreign minister.

Mr Thaksin's brother-in-law, Somchai Wongawat, was named education minister.

(BBC)

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