THAI PM CHOOSES CABINET

Bangkok: Thailand’s coup leader and newlyappointed Premier Prayut Chan- ocha on Sunday received royal endorsement for a Cabinet stacked with soldiers, as the military extended its reach into the kingdom’s politics. Nearly a third of the 32- strong Cabinet are senior military officers.

Among them are Mr Prayut’s close allies and key players in the recent years of political turbulence, includ- ing generals involved in the bloody 2010 crackdown on “Red Shirt” activists.

Former and serving generals will head the defence, justice, foreign affairs and commerce ministries, while an air marshal will take the top post at the transport department.