The prime minister of Burma's military regime, General Khin Nyunt, has been replaced.
Burma's state-controlled media said the prime minister was permitted to retire for health reasons and was replaced by Lieutenant General Soe Win.
Earlier, officials in Thailand said the prime minister was abruptly ousted from his post and arrested on corruption charges.
Burma's military leadership appointed General Khin Nyunt as prime minister in August 2003. He was also the head of military intelligence. Analysts said he was a pragmatic member of Burma's hardline military junta who had promoted some limited democratic reforms.
His replacement, Soe Win, was secretary of the ruling military junta. Observers say he is believed to oppose pro-democracy reforms in the country.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.