Thailand’s finance ministry has nominated former finance official Somchai Sujjapongse as chairman of the central bank after its earlier proposal of an ex government minister for the position failed, according to a report in the Bangkok Post.
Somchai was a permanent secretary at the finance ministry from 2015 to 2018. The ministry has submitted his name to the selection committee that is looking for a new chairman of the Bank of Thailand, the February 7 report says, citing an unidentified source.
The position has been vacant since Porametee Vimolsiri’s term as chairman ended on October 1, 2024.
The finance ministry previously proposed Kittiratt Na-Ranong, a former finance minister and commerce minister, for the role. But this breaks a requirement in the Bank of Thailand Act that its chairman needs to be out of political office for at least a year.
Kittiratt was most recently a chief adviser to former premier Srettha Thavisin, who was in office until August 14, 2024. His nomination had faced backlash as it was seen as an attempt to make a political appointment.
Spokespersons for the finance ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Asia Asset Management.
