However, due to problems facing the electoral process, the Constitution Court made a ruling on 8th May that general elections should be held again within the coming months.

The competent body is expected to make an official announcement of the polling day soon. An official announcement of the election outcome is expected to be made within 30 days of the polling day.

After the official outcome is announced, the House of Representatives will meet to elect the new Prime Minister, which can be expected to take place in early August. The new Prime Minister will then form the new cabinet and have his new cabinet sworn in before His Majesty the King.

According to the Thai Constitution, the present cabinet shall remain in office until the new cabinet is sworn in.

Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai remains Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Culture until the new cabinet is formed and sworn in.

On 25 May, Dr. Surakiart and Thanpuying Suthawan received United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Madame Nane upon their arrival to Thailand as guests of the Royal Thai Government.

On 26 May, Secretary-General Kofi Annan was the keynote speaker at the High-Level Panel on “His Majesty the King and Human Development” organized upon the UNSG visit to present the first ever United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to His Majesty the King. As Deputy Prime Minister in charge of activities in connection with the UNSG visit, Dr. Surakiart was amongst the distinguished speakers at the inaugural session of the High-Level Panel. He praised His Majesty’s wisdom and contribution to the cause of development. He underscored the visit of the UNSG and the presentation of the UNDP inaugural award as a recognition on the part of the 191 Member States of the UN of His Majesty’s lifetime achievements in advancing human development. That afternoon, Dr. Surakiart also accompanied the UNSG upon the audience with His Majesty the King to present the UNDP Lifetime Achievement Award.

During the UNSG’s stay in Bangkok on 25-27 May, Dr. Surakiart and the UNSG had various occasions to meet and exchange of views of mutual interest.

Dr. Surakiart takes charge of relief efforts of flood-stricken Provinces.

On 25 May, Dr. Surakiart, as Deputy Prime Minister overseeing the northern Provinces of Uttaradit and Sukhothai, visited these two Provinces which are the two worst affected provinces stricken by flash floods and mudslides. Dr. Surakiart gave guidelines to the Provincial Governors and the authorities concerned on the handling of the rescue operations and relief efforts. The measures include the effective distribution of emergency supplies, the improvement of roads and communications networks, and the renovation of houses.

Dr. Surakiart received Thai Muslim Students of the 3 southernmost provinces of Thailand, 18 May 2006

Dr. Surakiart received Thai Muslim students from the three southernmost provinces of Thailand on at the Office of the Prime Minister. Over 20 Thai Muslim students are on a training course and a study visit sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As Deputy Prime Minister overseeing foreign affairs, Dr. Surakiart conveyed to the students of their important role in reinforcing the work of the Foreign Ministry in intensifying cooperation with the Muslim community. He expounded his views on learning to live with differences in promoting a culture of peace and harmony. He gave an account of the various initiatives he had undertaken in reaching out to the Muslim community in Thailand and the world. Such initiatives include the establishment of the Islamic Bank, and linking the curriculum of Al-Azhar with universities in southern Thailand.

Visit to the United Kingdom, 11-15 May 2006

Dr. Surakiart visited London on 11-15 May where he had productive discussions with key personalities in the UK government, including Rt. Hon. Jack Straw, Leader of the House of Commons, Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer. They exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the UN reform process. Dr. Surakiart also commended the Chancellor of the Exchequer upon his contribution as member of the United Nations High-level Panel on United Nations System-wide Coherence in the Areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance and the Environment.

Dr. Surakiart met with Minister of State for Trade Ian McCartney who is responsible for Southeast Asia. They discussed developments in Asia, human rights issues, international trade policy and sustainable development. Dr. Surakiart also met with leading figures in the House of Lords with whom he discussed the role of political parties and democracy.

Visit of President of Gabon to Thailand, 28-30 April.

On 30 April, Dr. Surakiart and Thanpuying Suthawan called on the President of Gabon and Madame Bongo Ondimba upon their visit to Thailand. The President and Dr. Surakiart exchanged views on global and regional developments. Dr. Surakiart praised the President for his leadership role in the African region and expressed appreciation for Africa’s support for the turn of Asia for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. They also discussed avenues of strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, and technical cooperation.

Dr. Surakiart and Thanpuying Suthawan also received Gabonese Foreign Minister Ping and his wife. Dr. Surakiart and Foreign Minister Ping had a productive discussion on international developments, including the UN reform process and the UNSG selection process.