Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has decided on his new Cabinet line-up and is in the process of seeking royal endorsement for fresh appointments, a Cabinet member said yesterday.

A source familiar with the matter said the imminent changes would only affect a few Cabinet positions, with just two new appointees.

Chalongbhop Sussangkarn, president of the Thailand Develop-ment and Research Institute (TDRI), the economic think-tank, is likely to be appointed as new finance minister, according to the source. And a new deputy minister would also be appointed.

The TDRI chief was reported to have resigned his seat at the agency. A source close to him refused to confirm the report but said: "You will hear about it from the media."

The seat has been vacant since MR Pridiyathorn Devakula quit as deputy prime minister and finance minister a week ago.

Kosit Panpiemras, the deputy PM and industry minister, said yesterday the prime minister had completed the new Cabinet line-up. Kosit said he would be in charge of economic affairs in the new Cabinet, replacing Pridiyathorn.

"The prime minister has assigned me to be in charge of economic affairs. I will retain my positions, as will the deputy industry minister, Piyabutr Cholvijarn," Kosit said.

He declined to discuss who would become the new finance minister but said Chalongbhop was qualified for the job.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said the prime minister told his Cabinet about the reshuffle yesterday.

Another Government House source said PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan would retain his seat but some of his responsibilities, such as supervision of state-run media, would be given to another PM's Office Minister, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, said he didn't think minor changes in the Cabinet would lead to any substantial improvement in its efficiency. He suggested that the PM review strategies and prioritise problems.