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The government is leaving its door open for 111 former executives of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party when their political bans are lifted on May 30.

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Yingluck: Door open so they can help country

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the Pheu Thai-led administration never closes its door to anyone who can work for the country.

However, she said it is too soon to discuss a cabinet reshuffle or giving them advisory positions.

"They are capable people and the government always leaves its door open to capable people," she said.

Ms Yingluck also said she has yet to learn who among the 111 would like to contribute to the government's efforts and how they can be of assistance.

With the five-year political ban almost over, speculation is rife that many of the former TRT executives will take ministerial posts in the Yingluck administration.

Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday suggested Ms Yingluck form a "national taskforce" or advisory body to accommodate them.

Gen Chavalit said the taskforce should report directly to the prime minister with a clear chain of command.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said about 40 former TRT executives have contacted the party to apply for membership on May 31.

"I am confident they will bolster government stability," Mr Prompong said.

He also voiced opposition to the appointment of PM's Office Minister Woravat Au-apinyakul, a northern MP from Phrae province, to oversee government policies in the "Andaman zone" in the southern provinces.

He will propose the party give the job to Pheu Thai leader Yongyuth Wichaidit, who is from the South.

Mr Prompong says that as Mr Woravat is an MP from the North he may lack the "cultural sensitivity" needed to solve the problems in the region. He said he has discussed the matter with Mr Woravat and the minister has no objection to the change.

Mr Woravat said the party's board will decide whether he should be moved from the Andaman zone, and he is ready to comply with whatever it says.

Pheu Thai recently divided its regions into 19 zones, with a party minister overseeing each zone for better policy implementation and cooperation among MPs.