5 deputy PMs in Thailand's royally-endorsed cabinet

A royal command appointing Thailand's interim cabinet headed by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- ocha was announced Sunday, with five deputy prime ministers included in the 32-member lineup.

The five deputy premiers are Prawit Wongsuwan, a former defense minister and chief advisor to the military junta, Tanasak Patimapakorn, supreme commander and deputy junta chief, Pridiyathorn Devakula, a former deputy PM, Yongyuth Yutthawong, a former science and technology minister and Wissanu KreaNgam, a former deputy PM.

The royal command was issued by the king on Saturday and published in the Royal Gazette Sunday.

Twelve, or about one third of the cabinet members, are retired and active military and police officers.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit doubles as defense minister while Tanasak doubles as foreign minister.

Former army chief Anupong Paochinda was appointed as interior minister and navy chief Adm Narong Pipathanasai as education minister.

Deputy junta chief and air force chief ACM Prajin Juntong is the new transport minister and Sommai Pasi, a former deputy finance minister, is now the new finance minister.

The new cabinet has only two female members, who are Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and Deputy Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn.