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Pipop Thongchai, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy said Virabongsa's decision not to accept any political post but requested to attend all government economic meetings without resigning from private companies may affect foreign investors' confidence because it would not be fair to other private businesses.

Pipop said Virabongsa should resign as adviser from all companies and officially and openly accept to become government adviser.

PM's Office Minister Choosak Sirinin denied that the appointment of Virabongsa as Chief Adviser to Economic Ministers violated Article 84 of the Constitution because he holds positions in companies listed in the stock market.

He said Virabongsa would only give advice and the Cabinet would decide whether to follow his advice. Virabongsa did not need to resign from any companies because there were no legal bindings.

He said the Prime Minister would decide whether Virabongsa would get to attend every Cabinet meeting or only economic meeting.

Before the Cabinet reshuffle was finalised, reports had it that Virabongsa was tipped to be appointed to the post of Commerce Minister. The report of his joining the Cabinet was greatly welcomed by the business sector because of his expertise in economics, macroeconomics and international trade and finance.