Shinawatra endorsed for second term as Thai PM

Thailand’s Parliament today endorsed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for a second four-year term, following a landslide victory by the former telecommunications tycoon’s party in elections last month.

Thaksin said Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak will retain his post to help cope with anticipated economic problems, including the impact of a Muslim separatist rebellion in the south, but declined to reveal other Cabinet posts.