A number of ministerial advisers have been appointed during Thailand's recent cabinet reshuffle, and while the names appeared, many have criticized that the Pheu Thai government used this opportunity to reward the Red-shirts for its support.

On Friday, the new cabinet members met for approval of 16 political, including four core leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the main faction of the anti- establishment Red-shirt movement which is affiliated with Pheu Thai Party.

Hardline red-shirt leader Suporn Attawong was appointed deputy secretary of the prime minister, while fellow red shirt Charan Ditthapichai became adviser to Deputy Premier Kittiratt Na-Ranong.

Yoswaris Chuklom aka Jeng Dokjik, who is currently facing terrorism charges and whose bail conditions prohibit him from being involved in politics, according to the Bangkok Post, assumed the role of adviser to Agriculture and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Yutthapong Charassathien.

Red-shirt guard chief Aree Krainara was appointed an adviser to a deputy commerce minister.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinwatra on Friday rebutted the criticism, saying that those posts were selected by merit base and all of them are political veterans.

Also on Friday, the premier delegated responsibilities to her deputies. Yingluck chose to take charge on national security herself so that she could better oversee the restive deep-south situation.

Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung was assigned to oversee the National Intelligence Agency and to be deputy chairman of the committee for strategic development of the southernmost provinces, of which the prime minister is the chairwoman.