BANGKOK: The general who transitioned from Thailand’s junta leader to prime minister has awarded key Cabinet posts to his trusted allies from the armed forces, the latest in a series of moves that critics say will prolong the military’s grip on power.

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha’s government lineup, announced on Sunday after being approved by the king, includes 11 active or retired senior military officials with no political experience who will serve as the ministers of justice, education, defense, transport, commerce and foreign affairs, among other posts.

Prayuth also named 21 civilians to the 32-member Cabinet, including former Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula, who will serve as a deputy prime minister.

Prayuth overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on May 22 and has promised to eventually restore democracy and hold elections as early as 2015 after the military oversees sweeping political reforms.

Critics say the reforms are designed to purge the ousted ruling party’s influence and benefit an elite minority that has failed to win national elections for more than a decade.Thailand has been deeply divided since 2006, when former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — Yingluck’s brother _ was also toppled in a coup after being accused of corruption, abuse of power and disrespect for King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2014