August 03, 2008	Sunday	Rajab 30, 1429

BANGKOK, Aug 2: Thailand’s embattled prime minister announced a cabinet reshuffle on Saturday, a widely expected move seen as an attempt to fend off growing calls for his resignation.

The reshuffle by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej came as thousands of anti-government protesters continued to demonstrate in Bangkok. Protesters have held relentless rallies since May, accusing Samak’s government of attempting to block corruption charges against ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and trying to amend the constitution to cling to power.

The reshuffle involved 11 cabinet posts, including the key interior, commerce, industry and public health ministries. All were approved on Saturday by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.—AP