Thai PM says former finance minister to lead new economic team

BANGKOK - Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Wednesday former finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak would led a new economic team in a reshuffled cabinet, as the military-government comes under mounting pressure to turn around the stumbling domestic economy.

Somkid will replace Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula.

"I have shifted Pridiyathorn to be an adviser and let Somkid take over instead. Somkid has helped me from the start, so there is not a problem," Prayuth told reporters.