Thailand's king has approved former corporate energy executive and bourse chair Pichai Chunhavajira as finance minister, taking over the role from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the official Royal Gazette said on Sunday.

Pichai, 75, who has been Srettha's adviser, was the chair of the board of Bangchak Corp, a post he had held since 2012. He also headed the board of the Stock Exchange of Thailand earlier this year and has been a central bank board member.

Pichai also takes on the role of deputy prime minister.

(Reporting by Orathai Sriring; Editing by William Mallard)