Thailand King Bhumibol Adulyadej has urged the new 26-member Cabinet led by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to work with honesty and dedication.

At a swearing-in ceremony for the Cabinet which assumed power after the Sept. 19 coup, the king said the new leaders should restore the image of their country, reports the Bangkok Post.

Without mentioning the coup, the king said, "A lot of people who are not Thai, who are foreigners, are saying that Thailand is not good. We have to try to change that.

If we don't, our country will lose its good name and it will be difficult for our people to live happily. If they say Thai people are not good, it is not only the government but all Thais who will be considered 'not good'.

The king also said, I wish you courage in your work so that you can overcome obstacles.