Members of Thailand's new cabinet were sworn in before King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Klaikangvol Palace in Thailand's upper southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan Wednesday evening, the Thai News Agency reported.

The 17 newly-appointed cabinet members include Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya and Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Lipatapallop.

They also include four new comers -- Transport Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal, who replaces Suriya; Deputy Commerce Minister Gen. Chai-anant Charoensiri; Interior Minister ACM Kongsak Vantana, whore places Pol. Gen. Chidchai; and Science and Technology Minister Pravich Ratanapian, who replaces Korn Dabbaransi.

The sweeping cabinet reshuffle was formally announced Tuesday evening with four new faces among the ministers entrusted to oversee key ministries and three cabinet members losing their jobs.

(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2005)