Former finance minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, left, pays respect at the spirit house at Government House.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has promised to unveil his new Cabinet line-up next week and political sources said he was likely to go for a major reshuffle in order to ensure his government survives.

However, Surayud kept his cards close to his chest yesterday when asked whether he would undertake a major or minor reshuffle.

"I need a couple of days to make up my mind and by next week it will be clear about changes to the Cabinet," Surayud said, evading another question on the extent of the new line-up.

Political sources said Surayud was likely to embark on a major Cabinet reshuffle to try to ensure the survival of his government as a whole following the abrupt departure of MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, the deputy prime minister and finance minister.

Pridiyathorn's resignation has further undermined the credibility of the interim government and added to political uncertainties.

Surayud said he would spend the long weekend pondering his options, hinting he would not openly speculate on potential new faces in his administration.

"I will explain my decision after the issuing of a royal

command for Cabinet appointments," he said.

The prime minister said he had no comment to make in regard to Pridiyathorn quitting on Wednesday.

"What Pridiyathorn told me about his reasons to quit is now public knowledge and I have nothing to add to that," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiemras would take charge of economic affairs until Pridiyathorn's successor is named, he said, adding he would consult Kosit in picking the new finance minister.

The resignation of Pridiyathorn followed a controversial attempt to appoint Somkid Jatusripitak, a key Thaksin Shinawatra ally, to a top economics post two weeks ago. The minister was also upset at media figure Sondhi Limthongkul being allowed to broadcast on state-run Channel 11, as Sondhi has been one of his most vocal critics.

Asked yesterday if all incumbent ministers would stay on in the new line-up, Surayud said he would have to look into "details" before finalising his decision.

According to political commentators, Virabongsa Ramangkura is a frontrunner for the finance portfolio. On Wednesday, he resigned as chairman of Exim Bank in a move seen as preparation to join the Cabinet.

Members of the government's publicity campaign, tasked with shoring up its sagging popularity, said they expected major changes in ministerial portfolios.

They speculated that the prime minister would utilise the opportunity to get rid of inactive and incompetent ministers.

Speculation swirled at Government House that PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan might get the axe after Pridiyathorn pointed a finger at him for prompting his resignation.

Sources close to the government said the Thirapat-Pridiyathorn row might upset the morale of the economic team if Thirapat is allowed to keep his job.

Council for National Security chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin voiced confidence that the political turbulence triggered by Pridiyathorn's resignation would blow over.

"I know the prime minister very well as a man who will not give up," he said, dismissing speculation about the search for a new government leader. He said he expected the government to prevail eventually.

Meanwhile, Pridiyathorn dropped by Government House yesterday to pack up his belongings and pay his last respects at the spirit house. He said he would take a long vacation and write a book before deciding on his next career move.

The popularity rating of the army-installed Surayud government has slipped in the last month compared with December, an opinion survey by Ramkhamhaeng University revealed yesterday.

Confidence that strife in the far South would be resolved plunged from 6.28 in December to 5.24 in February.

The national reconciliation rating also dropped from 7.11 to 6.20.

Ramkhamhaeng University surveyed 2,389 people across the country over February 27-28 about the government's popularity. The poll assessed 14 work issues and respondents found performances poorer in all categories.

People's assessment of the premier's determination to run the country declined from 7.73 in December to 7.54. The "morality" rating dropped from 7.49 to 7.07.

The poll concluded that government popularity fell after the string of attacks during the Chinese New Year in four provinces in the far South.