Deputy Prime Minister Amornwiwat Sompong of Thailand

Sompong said he did not yet study details of the border dispute but was ready to start studying to solve the disputes.

Sompong said he was picked for his new job based on his political experience as negotiator.

Junta chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin is still optimistic about his ally Sondhi Limthongkul.

Sompong said this would be an opportunity for the PAD "to get involved with talks on a reasonable basis.

Sompong said he saw no serious problem about the ongoing disputes between factions within the main governing party.

Sompong was commenting on the ongoing litigation to punish the party for electoral fraud committed by its executive Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

Mr Sompong said that six coalition parties will meet at 7pm Tuesday to discuss the matter.

Sompong has pledged to do his utmost to solve the outstanding Saudi cases.

Sompong has been working to prepare for a summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Chiang Mai, Thailand from December 15 to 17.

Sompong was Sunday quoted by Manage Online as saying that each of tourists would receive Bt2 billion a day from the special.

Sompong said he was considering whether to postpone the summit to avoid the protests.

Foreign Minister Sompong said he was trying to reach Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, counterparts from other Asean members and Surin to discuss the matter.

Sompong was stranded in Frankfurt while was on his way back from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting in Peru.

A meeting later in the day would come up with the nominee, Sompong said Saturday.