"The new ministers are expected to help speed up the work during the seven months remaining in the government's term," Yongyuth said.

By the royal command released yesterday, Vallop Thaineua will assume the position of deputy public health minister, Theerawut Butrsriphum is to become deputy interior minister and Nat Indarapan will be the deputy tourism and sports minister.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont had consulted with the respective Cabinet ministers before selecting their deputies, his secretary-general Pongthep Thespratheep said.

"The newcomers have agreed to join the government, not because of individual incentives or interests, but because they want to assist in pushing for

the ultimate goal - ushering in the general election as the

prime minister has promised," he said.

Ponthep said all three deputy ministers had good track records and had made personal sacrifices in accepting the posts in light of the turmoil triggered by the

transition back to democratic rule.

Reacting to his appointment, Theerawut said he had been surprised as he had learnt just a few days ago that he was a candidate for the job.

However, Thai Rak Thai Party executive Kuthep Saikrajang said he suspected Surayud of having an ulterior motive in the appointment of Vallop.

"It is well known that Vallop is a staunch opponent of Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, who was the public health minister before the coup," he said.

Vallop and Sudarat clashed over many issues, including the Bt900-million computer procurement scandal and the suspicious purchase of ambulances, he said.

Reacting to Kuthep's statement, Vallop said Public Health Minister Mongkol na Songkhla had yet to assign him his duties.

"Pending my job assignment by Mongkol, I have been instructed by the prime minister to make a lot of field trips in order to keep in closer touch with villagers," he said.

Vallop added that he was still uncertain whether he would be involved in tackling the computer scandal or the irregularities relating to the purchase of ambulances.

Rural Doctors Association chairman Kriangsak Watcharanukulkiart said Vallop should be given a chance to show how he could perform.

Nat, Vallop and Theerawut are all retired bureaucrats.

Nat is the former governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand and a well-respected figure for his elevation of Thai athletic standards. He was a key organiser of many past Asian Games and played a vital role in gaining the international recognition of Thai athletes.

Vallop is a respected medical professional who rose to become the permanent secretary for public health before his retirement.

Theerawut is a decorated crime-buster. His key police assignments included the positions of assistant national police chief and commissioner of Provincial Police Regions 7 and 9.

After retirement, he became a judicial board member supervising the operations of the Administrative Court. He left the post two weeks ahead of accepting his ministerial portfolio.