His first priority was the formation of his 25-member cabinet, which he announced on 14 June. There were few surprises. It consisted largely respected technocrats, 20 of whom had served in the anand I government. Of the newcomers, the most important and significant was the Defence Minister, General Banchob Bunnag. He was a contemporary of Gen. Arthit, had had a distinguished military career marked by a clean image, had been a Senator from 1983 to 1989, and had retired from the army in 1986 when he was chief of staff of the armed forces and also army chief of staff. It was he who would have to deal with one of the major problems that the Anand administration faced-the military. The army approved of the appointment, as did the business community, and Banchob set about his task in a positive manner, stating his intention to restore the public's trust in the armed forces.