Thai king approves new cabinet with focus on troubled economy

BANGKOK - Thailand's king formally endorsed a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday that includes a new finance minister and a new deputy premier overseeing the economy as the military government seeks to spur flagging growth.

Apisak Tantivorawong, former president of state-owned Krung Thai Bank, has become finance minister, replacing Sommai Phasee, according to an official proclamation.

A government adviser, Somkid Jatusripitak, who is also a former finance minister, has been appointed deputy prime minister in charge of reviving economic growth.