PM picks Thaksin’s loyalists as policy advisers

After her leadership pledged to address the South Eastern nation’s plethora of financial issues, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has appointed a group of economic and legal professionals as advisors. &nbsp,

The board of experts is headed by Pansak Vinyaratn, who served as an economic policy director to Paetongtarn’s father, former top Thaksin Shinawatra during 2001-2006. Surapong Suebwonglee, who was the finance secretary in a Thaksin-backed authorities in 2008, was named the deputy president, according to an order dated Sept 16. &nbsp,

Supavud Saicheua, a well-known economist and current head of the National Economic and Social Development Council ( NESDC ), was also chosen as an advisor. Other people included Tongthong Chandransu, previously an adviser to Ms Paetongtarn’s father Srettha Thavisin, and Phongthep Thepkanjana, who has headed many ministries in several institutions of Thaksin and his girlfriend Yingluck Shinawatra.

According to the interview order, the board of advisors will assist Ms. Paetongtarn in conducting analysis and research of opportunities to improve the nation. They will also make recommendations related to authorities laws, it said.

Phongthep Thepkanjana, left, and Surapong Suebwonglee. ( Bangkok Post file photos )

Ms. Paetongtarn, the next Shinawatra leader in Thailand and a relatively stranger to elections, is turning to Thaksin supporters to assist her in navigating the economic and legal difficulties facing her multi-party coalition government. The decision also demonstrates how good it is that the former leading has a significant influence over his sister’s government. &nbsp,

Thailand’s youngest excellent secretary, 38, has vowed to revive Southeast Asia’s second-largest business that is stifled by near-record household debt and high cost of living. Her government has suggested a comprehensive debt reform to address the burden of household debt, provide small businesses with financial aid, and bolster fiscal stimulus to boost the region’s lagging development rate. &nbsp,

The visit of the advisory board was made after Ms. Paetongtarn appointed Pichai Chunhavajira as finance minister as a sign of legislation continuity from Mr. Srettha’s waning administration. In a surprise decision, the Constitutional Court found him guilty in an ethics infraction case, which was expected to be announced last month.

Mr Paetongtarn also recently appointed Prommin Lertsuridej as the Prime Minister’s Secretary-General, a article he had held under former officials Thaksin and Srettha.

Srettha Thavisin, then-prime secretary, honors Thaksin Shinawatra at his Bangkok residence during the Songkran festival in 2024. ( Photo: Srettha Thavisin X account )