Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has himself called his new government an 'ugly duckling' Cabinet. -- PHOTO: AFP

Wan Yoobamrung, son of Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobambrung, has been appointed secretary to the deputy minister of public health, while Chonsawat Asavahame will serve as secretary to the deputy interior minister.

Mr Wan, in his early 30s with a history of brawling in pubs, may work on anti-drinking and anti-smoking campaigns launched by the Public Health Ministry, according to newspaper reports.

Mr Chonsawat, in his early 40s, is currently facing a criminal court trial on charges of assaulting a policeman. He was charged after allegedly refusing to stop for an alcohol test and assaulting the officer who tried to stop his vehicle.

'Wan and Chonsawat are well educated and qualified young men for the job of secretaries, and they are among dozens of qualified figures being appointed to be secretaries and advisers to ministers,' Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup told reporters.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has himself called his new government an 'ugly duckling' Cabinet.

Mr Chalerm, Wan's father, has been dogged by media reports that he made a fortune in the gambling business. He was once charged with a gambling offence but never indicted. Mr Chonsawat's father, Wattana Asavahame, is on trial for the corruption and abuse of authority in a water reservoir project as well as encroachment on public land.

Mr Wan is one of three sons of Mr Chalerm who were charged in at least a dozen cases between 2000-2004 involving nightclub brawls and assaults. Bangkok newspapers speculated at the time that Mr Chalerm used his considerable political clout to sway the court decisions in his sons' favour.

Mr Wan was a co-defendant in the execution-style murder of a policeman in a Bangkok night club in 2001. He was acquitted after a three-year trial but banned from entering entertainment establishments for two years.

Mr Chalerm apologised for his sons' behaviour shortly after being appointed interior minister.

'Aware of public concern about the past behaviour of my family, I want to extend my sincere apology for the past record of my sons and I promise that none of my sons will get involved in any role in the Interior Ministry,' Mr Chalerm said on Saturday.

The health minister has not yet announced Mr Wan's official duties, but local newspapers reported that the new job would include working on a campaign to curb drinking and smoking, which was banned on Monday in bars in Thailand. -- AP