Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said today that he will set up a committee in March to select the new governor for the Bank of Thailand, who will succeed Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput whose term ends in September.
He explained that the selection committee must have formed sooner rather than later, because it usually takes a long time to decide upon the right person for the job.
Regarding the Finance Ministry’s nomination of Somchai Satjapong, former finance permanent secretary, as a candidate for the post of chairman of the central bank’s board, Pichai noted that Somchai is well versed in financial affairs and macroeconomics.
He went on to explain that, even though there is clear separation of powers between the central bank board chairman and the various committees in the bank, such as the Monetary Policy Committee, the chairman is entitled to provide guidance.
The Finance Ministry’s candidate for the chairmanship, Kittiratt Na Ranong, chosen by a committee led by Sathit Limpongpan, former finance permanent secretary, was ruled unqualified by the Council of State in December, because he used to serve as an advisor to former prime minister Srettha Thavisin.
The post of chairperson has been vacant since last September, when Paramethi Wimonsiri’s term expired.
