Thai king supports proposed Cabinet

BANGKOK, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej said Saturday he supports Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's proposed members of the Thai Cabinet.

The Thai News Agency reported the king offered his royal endorsement for Vejjajiva's Cabinet picks that include former JPMorgan Chase investment bank head Korn Chatikavanij as finance minister.

But the choice of Chatikavanij, along with Phum Jai Thai Party official Pornthiva Nakasai as commerce minister, has not set well with business circles in the Asian country.

Pramont Sutheewong, head of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, said such commerce picks have not soothed concerns that only professionals can handle the positions without causing economic damage.

With Thailand mired in an economic crisis, Vejjajiva has said the new Cabinet would help promote reconciliation and positive economic change in the country.

The news agency said other Cabinet picks include Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan as defense minister, Sophon Saram as transport minister and Wannarat Charnnukul as energy minister.