Former finance permanent secretary Somchai Satjapong was voted the new chairman of the board of the Bank of Thailand yesterday, by the selection committee.
Chairman of the committee, former finance permanent secretary Sathit Limpongpan, said that they considered the qualifications of Somchai, who was nominated by the Finance Ministry, and Dr. Surapol Nitikraipot, nominated by the central bank.
The committee voted in favour of Somchai, but he declined to disclose the vote.
Sathit said that he has already informed Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira about the selection committee’s choice, adding that he expects Somchai’s selection will be submitted to the cabinet for approval next week, before it is submitted to His Majesty the King for endorsement.
Previously, the Finance Ministry nominated Kittiratt Na Ranong, former deputy prime minister in the Yingluck Shinawatra government, for the chairmanship, but the Council of State ruled that he was unqualified because he used to serve as an advisor to former prime minister Srettha Thavisin.
