BANGKOK, Thailand – The selection committee for the Bank of Thailand’s board concluded its meeting by announcing that Kittiratt Na-Ranong, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has been selected as the new chairman, succeeding Porametee Vimolsiri on November 11. The announcement, delivered in a written statement by selection committee chairman Sathit Limpongpan, noted that all necessary procedures to confirm Kittiratt’s appointment will now proceed according to legal requirements.
The committee meeting, which began at around 10 a.m. and concluded at 2:45 p.m., took place without media interviews from any of the attending members, including Sathit himself. However, sources from the Ministry of Finance revealed that the committee’s decision was to appoint Kittiratt as chairman, with his nomination coming from the Ministry of Finance. Other candidates for the position included Kulit Sombatsiri, former Energy Ministry permanent secretary, and Surapol Nitikraipoj, former rector of Thammasat University.
The selection has stirred controversy, with four former Bank of Thailand governors, economists, and various social groups expressing concerns that political influence may impact the Bank’s independence. Following the selection, Kittiratt’s nomination will now be presented to the Minister of Finance for review, before moving to the Cabinet for endorsement. Upon Cabinet approval, his appointment will be submitted for royal endorsement, after which he will formally assume his new role.
