King endorses new cabinet line-up

His Majesty the King has endorsed a cabinet reshuffle that leaves most heavyweights untouched but introduces new ministers for Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism.

Most members responsible for economic affairs, led by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak maintained their positions except for Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn.

Ms Apiradi was replaced by her deputy Sontirat Sontijirawong, while Deputy Agriculture Minister Chutima Bunyapraphasara, a retired Commerce permanent secretary, is returning to the Commerce Ministry as a deputy minister.

Luck Wajananawat, a former president of the Bank for Agriculture and Agriculture Cooperatives, becomes deputy agriculture minister, filling the post vacated by Ms Chutima.

Grisada Boonrach, a former permanent secretary for the Interior  Minustry, becomes the new agriculture minister, replacing Gen Chatchai Sarikulya.

The reshuffle list drawn up by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was endorsed by the King on Thursday and published in the Royal Gazette on Friday.

Kobsak Phutrakul, an assistant minister to the Prime Minister's Office and a former banker, was promoted to PM's Office minister. Former PTT Plc chief executive Pailin Chuchottaworn was appointed as the deputy transport minister.

Somchai Harnhirun, a former permanent secretary for Industry, has been named deputy industry minister.

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, meanwhile, has been replaced by Weerasak Kowsurat, who held the post in the Samak Sundaravej administration in 2008.

Also departing is Gen Udomdej Setabutr as deputy defence minister. He will be replaced by Gen Chanchai Changmongkol.