Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said today that he will not submit the name of Kittiratt Na-Ranong for chairmanship of the Bank of Thailand to the cabinet today, because he needs one or two more weeks to consider the matter and the relevant procedures.
Kittiratt, former deputy prime minister and finance minister in the Yingluck Shinawatra administration, is seen as being closely connected to the Pheu Thai party. His selection by committee has caused concerns over the potential for future political interference in the affairs of the central bank.
Pichai said today that he has received a report from the committee about Kittiratt’s selection, as well as a list of two candidates for vacant seats on the bank’s board.
The finance minister said he is not worried about the opposition to Kittiratt’s appointment, saying that someone who is capable of doing the job is what is needed.
The other two candidates for board seats are Chunhajit Sungmai, former finance permanent secretary, and Pornanong Budsaratrakul, secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
