Thailand ’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej on June 7 swore in eight newly-appointed ministers in a cabinet reshuffle after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government overcame a vote of no-confidence early last week.

Speaking at the ceremony, King Bhumibol told the newly-appointed ministers to work honestly and devote themselves to the nation’s prosperity and the people’s well-being.

This was the first time that the King has delivered a speech in public since the government successfully dispersed the red-shirts’ demonstrations.
The new cabinet members include Industry Minister Chaiwut Bannawat, Information and Communication Technology Minister Juti Krairiksh, Labour Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, Culture Minister Nipit Intrasombat, Minister for the Prime Minister's Office Ongart Klampaiboon, Science and Technology Minister Veerachai Veerametheekul, Deputy Minister of Finance Man Pattanotai and Education Minister Chaiyos Jiramethakorn.

Earlier, PM Abhisit had announced a cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of eight new ministers in the hope that his new team would be more effective./.