Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has nominated former Thai Ambassador to France Saroj Chavanaviraj to the palace for royal endorsement to succeed Tej Bunnag, who resigned as foreign minister on Thursday.
Mr Saroj, 66, had been approached twice before by Prime Minister Samak to take up the foreign portfolio. The first time was when the present administration was being formed and the second time was after Mr Noppadon Pattama resigned as foreign minister in July. He had declined the two previous offers.
Mr Saroj retired in 2002 as Thai ambassador to Paris after serving four years as permanent secretary for foreign affairs.
A source said Mr Saroj did not want to be involved in politics and this was the reason why he had declined the job twice.
Another source close to Mr Saroj said he has decided to accept the offer this time because he has received requests from many people to help work for the ministry, particvulary since Thailand is now Asean chairman and will play host of the regional grouping's summit in December.
Mr Saroj was the most suitable person because he had the experience in Asean and Cambodian affairs, said the source.
Mr Saroj was director-general of Asean Department in 1988.
Deputy Prime Minister Sahas said Mr Samak wanted a former ambassador to take the foreign minister post.
"If we bring in an outsider, he might need time to study the job. But if we pick up an insider, that person will know the job better and he will not need time to study his job," said Mr Sahas.
What Asean member are concerned most at this time was that Thailand has yet to ratify the Asean Charter. The issue has been pending in parliament, Mr Sahas said.
He said Asean Secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan expressed concerns over this issue after Mr Tej's resigned.
Mr Surin wanted the charter to be ratified in parliament before the Asean summit, otherwise it would embarrass Thailand as the host country, said Mr Sahas.
He said he has coordinated with the Senate to speed up the issue.
Mr Surin has also lobbied with the Thai lawmakers to speed up the ratification, said another source.
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