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(Recast)Thai PM unveils new cabinet after 4th reshuffle since coup

Xinhua, December 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

A cabinet reshuffle under Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was announced on Friday night, which is the fourth change in his government since 2014.

Prayut, a former army chief, came into power after a bloodless coup in 2014.

According to the announcement published in the Royal Gazette, Prayut switched or appointed 12 ministers and deputy ministers. The highest-level changes were the country's justice, education and industry ministers.

Former Education Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan and Former Justice Minister Paiboon Koom were earlier named by King Maha Vajiralongkorn as privy councilors.

Deputy education minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin was appointed as education minister, and minister of Prime Minister's Office Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana became the new justice minister.

There are five newcomers to the cabinet, according to Thai media Bangkok Post. They are Veerasak Futrakul who became deputy foreign minister, Chutima Boonyaprapas deputy agriculture and cooperatives minister Pichit Akarathit who became deputy transport minister, Sonthirat Sonthijirawong who became deputy commerce minister and Uttama Savanayana who is the new industry minister.

The reshuffle was approved on Thursday and announced on Friday night. The changes take effect immediately. Endit