The Council of State has ruled that Kittiratt Na-Ranong is not qualified to be appointed as chairman of the board of the Bank of Thailand, because he used to be an advisor to former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, which is a political position, even though he did not receive a salary for the role, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.
He said today that the Finance Ministry will find a new candidate. He said that, in the meantime, former chairman Paramethi Wimonsiri, whose term expired on September 11, will continue to function as the acting chairman.
Kittiratt was chosen by a selection committee, chaired by Sathit Limpongpan, a former permanent secretary of finance.
When asked by reporters about Kittiratt’s disqualification by the Council of State, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said, without elaboration, that the matter has to follow procedure.
Many academics and former central bank staff, including four former governors, had voiced their strong objection to Kittiratt’s nomination, pointing out that his close connection with the Pheu Thai party could jeopardise the central bank’s independence.
