Sharjah24 - AFP: Thailand's king endorsed a new cabinet on Saturday, taking the country one step closer to a fully functional administration after months of political deadlock.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn acknowledged the new cabinet led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the appointment of 34 ministers, according to a statement in the Royal Gazette, including some from the previous deeply unpopular army-backed administration.
May's election led to months of political wrangling, after a popular reformist candidate was rejected by conservative parliamentary blocs -- paving the way for runners-up Pheu Thai party to form a controversial coalition government.
"Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, has selected a qualified cabinet to administer the country further, so the King has commanded a new cabinet," the statement read.
The new cabinet sees Srettha as Minister of Finance and Anutin Charnvirakul -- the former health minister from the previous military-led government -- as the deputy prime minister.
Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, brother of ex-army chief Prawit Wongsuwan who was closely involved in 2014's coup, has been appointed minister of natural resources and environment.
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