October 02, 2007	Tuesday	Ramazan 19, 1428

BANGKOK, Oct 1: Thailand’s junta leader said on Monday he would join the army-installed cabinet as deputy prime minister and oversee internal security, amid speculation that he is eyeing the premiership.

“As deputy prime minister, I will oversee internal security, which is now under the supervision of the interior ministry,” General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said in a television interview.

He will join army-backed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s cabinet following a cabinet reshuffle expected this month.

Sonthi retired as army chief on Sunday but remains at the helm of the junta until a new government is formed following elections set for Dec 23.—AFP