Bangkok  - Thailand's king on Wednesday approved the cabinet lineup submitted by new Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and the new ministers are scheduled to be sworn in Thursday, the government announced.

Under Thailand's constitutional monarchy the appointments must be approved by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is head of state, and they are official only after they are sworn in by the king.

The 35-member cabinet includes Somchai also serving as defence minister, as had former prime minister Samak Sundaravej who resigned earlier this month.

Bangkok - Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat submitted his proposed cabinet lineup for royal approval Tuesday and expects to hold his first cabinet meeting as early as late this week.

Under Thailand's constitutional monarchy the appointments are not official until approved by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is head of state. Somchai said he would not identify who is in his cabinet until they are approved.

After they are endorsed they can be sworn in and get to work, he said.

Bangkok - Thailan