Under pressure following poll promises

Consequently they are expected to take quick action in dealing with policies including the flat Bt300 minimum wage and Bt15,000 entry salary for university-degree holders, in addition to dealing with widespread resistance to crackdowns on land encroachment in national parks.

Labour minister

Born on February 2, 1949, Phadermchai Sasomsap, a brother of veteran MP Chaiyor, tentatively takes his first Cabinet post as labour minister. He was deputy minister in the Communications Ministry during the first Chuan Leekpai government, and a long-time Nakhon Pathom MP.

In a recent interview, Phadermchai said he needed to "study further" both hot issues, the minimum wage and the entry salary, and to "seek advice" before pushing for them.

Natural Resources and Environment minister

Preecha Rengsomboonsuk was first elected to Parliament in 1986, a member of the United Democrat Party. He moved to the Social Action Party in 1992 and was elected as the Seree Thum Party's deputy leader in 2001. He served as minister-secretary assistant.

A native of Loei province's Wang Saphung district, Preecha graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from Mapua Institute of Technology in the Philippines and earned a Master of Education degree in development from Loei Rajabhat University.

Public Health minister

Witthaya Buranasiri, 51, Pheu Thai deputy party leader, started with the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party. Elected in 2001 and 2008, he was appointed chief government whip during the Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawas governments.

He was later appointed chief opposition whip during the Abhisit Vejjajiva government.

Witthaya graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University and earned a Master of Political Science degree from Ramkhamhaeng University. He served in several political positions such as secretary-assistant of the finance and commerce ministers, and secretary to the industry minister.

Deputy Public Health ministers

Torpong Chaiyasarn, former bank officer and son of veteran politician Prachuap Chaiyasarn, started his political career as deputy government spokesman in Thaksin Shinawatra's administration.

Elected MP for Udon Thani in 2001, 2005 and 2007, he served as chairman of Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee.

Torpong graduated with a bachelor's degree from a San Diego institution and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from American University in Washington, DC, and a Master of Political Science from Thammasat University.

Social Development and Human Security minister

Santi Promphat, born on September 20, 1952, served as transport minister in two brief stints under the short-lived Samak and Somchai governments.

He takes this position after a long-held promise for a Cabinet post from de facto Pheu Thai Party leader Thaksin Shinawatra, after a four-year absence from Cabinet portfolios before the Thaksin government, in which he served as adviser to two Thai Rak Thai ministers.

Education minister

Woravat Auapinyakul, a Phrae MP since 1996, served as culture minister during the Somchai Wongsawas government, when he made headlines with an idea to promote the sale of and knowledge about traditional charms and items blessed with black magic. He reportedly takes the helm at the Education Ministry utilising close ties with Yaowapa, wife of Somchai.

Worawaj said he regarded the free tablet computers for all first-graders a challenge while vowing to make free Wi-Fi penetration available in all public areas.

Deputy Education ministers

Bunruen Srithares, a female MP, and Surapong Uengampornvilai take these posts.

Culture minister

Sukumol Kunplome, a first-time MP under the Palang Chon Party, is the wife of veteran MP Sonthaya Khunpluem. She is the second female Cabinet minister in the Yingluck government.

Interior minister

Yongyuth Wichaidit is a former permanent secretary and Pheu Thai Party leader.

Deputies

Choochart Harnsawas and Thanis Thiengthong fill these posts.

Justice minister

Pracha Promnok is former national police chief.

Science minister

Plodprasob Surassawadee is former permanent secretary to the natural resources and environment minister.