Srettha won”t parachute adviser into BoT

Srettha won't parachute adviser into BoT
Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, addresses company leaders at Government House on Tuesday during a conference. ( Photo: Royal Thai Government )

Kittiratt Na-Ranning, the chief adviser to the Bank of Thailand ( BoT), has argued that the incumbent’s term expires in September 2025, and that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is not eligible to run for the top seat on the board.

Mr. Srettha was responding to a report in the media that Porametee Vimolsiri, the cheerful president of the central bank table, might be running for office.

Supawut Saichua, a former Pheu Thai Party director, might even make the cut as a candidate for the BoT table.

If Mr Kittiratt were to get over as president, the BoT’s plan may coincide with the government’s fiscal and monetary way, which is to lower interest rates, something the northern bank governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, has resisted.

Mr Sethaput’s term as governor is due to disappear in September next time.

Regarding their divergent views on interest charges, the prime minister and Mr. Sethaput were reportedly at odds with one another.

Mr. Sethaput has insisted on the central bank’s democracy in its decision-making, while Mr. Srettha has repeatedly asked the BoT to reduce rates to stimulate the economy.

On Wednesday, Mr Srettha ruled out the idea of Mr Kittiratt, who served as finance minister under the previous Yingluck Shinawatra management, making a charge for the BoT table chair.

The premier claimed that because of his duties as chief adviser, Mr. Kittiratt is ineligible to get or hold the position. He would only be able to assume the president’s status if he resigns from his present place for at least a year.

Mr. Srettha claimed that he had no idea who would take the chair vacancy the following month. He made it clear that the collection process may be conducted without restraints.

He declined to specify whether the new BoT chair should support a government-friendly coverage.

He continued, however, that the state is keeping the business running in accordance with organizations like the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council.

He and these organizations have engaged in close conversation and mutual understanding.

Mr. Srettha reiterated his desire for a rate cut but warned that he should keep his mouth to himself to avoid being criticized for trying to stifle the BoT’s matters.