Foreign Ministry officials yesterday voiced disappointment after learning on August 9 that Pheu Thai deputy leader Surapong Towijakchaikul had been chosen as foreign minister.

Ministry staff scoured the internet for any information on Mr Surapong's background, but came up with little.

A Chiang Mai native sporting a bachelor's degree in engineering from the United States, Mr Surapong is a relative of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Apart from his active role as an MP in parliament and serving as chairman of the House foreign affairs committee, Mr Surapong has never held any position in an administration. A former Democrat MP, he once grilled Thaksin during a censure debate. He later joined the Thaksin-backed People Power Party and the Pheu Thai Party.

Many Foreign Ministry officials wondered if Mr Surapong was really interested in foreign affairs, compared to the long list of candidates for the position, including a number of former diplomats.

Apart from the selection of Mr Surapong, the appointment of several other ministers drew criticism from ministry officials who will have to work for them.

Preecha Rengsomboonsuk, an MP from Loei MP, was tabbed as natural resources and environment minister, but he is unfamiliar to ministry brass.

Prime Minister Yingluck will have 15 days to deliver her government's policy statement before parliament - a precondition to legalising the government's administrative power as required by the constitution.