Thailand gets new-old government

Thailand's new government was announced this weekend after three weeks of post-election political bargaining. The negotiations produced a government that at the top is almost identical to the previous administration.

Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda remains prime minister and defense minister, reports Monitor contributor Neil Kelly. Air Chief Marsha Siddhi Sawetsila is still in charge of foreign affairs, and there are no changes at the important interior and finance ministries. Despite the conflicting views on many issues held by members of the new government, party leaders were quick with reassurances that it would be stable enough to survive a full four-year term.