(Thailand, 7th) Anutin’s appointment of Ekniti as Finance Minister is seen as a significant decision, as he believes Ekniti is the right person to drive urgent fiscal policies.
In Thailand, whenever a new government is formed or a cabinet reshuffle takes place, one of the most closely watched positions is often the Finance Minister. The role of the Finance Minister is seen as the core of any government, entrusted with controlling fiscal policy and driving economic growth to meet government objectives.
During the formation of the new government led by Bhumjaithai Party leader and Prime Minister-designate Anutin Charnvirakul, preparations for the “First Anutin Cabinet” had already begun prior to the parliamentary vote on September 5.
Anutin placed particular emphasis on positions concerning economic and diplomatic affairs, considering these key areas. He clearly outlined his criteria: appointees must be highly professional, of great credibility, widely recognized, and able to immediately begin work effectively.
This is especially important, as the new government is constrained and must dissolve parliament within four months of presenting its policy agenda.
According to sources within the Bhumjaithai Party, the Finance Minister position was initially offered to people highly respected in the economic and financial sectors, including Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput—whose term ends September 30—and his predecessor Veerathai Santiprabhob. However, both declined the offer.
Subsequently, attention shifted to Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office at the Ministry of Finance. He is a senior official within the ministry, has served in multiple departments, and has experience working with publicly listed companies.
Ekniti is regarded as being well-versed in fiscal instruments, able to work closely with Ministry of Finance officials, and is capable of implementing urgent fiscal measures within a limited timeframe to stimulate economic development.
Upon being approached, Ekniti initially said he needed two to three days to consider, and ultimately agreed to take on the role of Finance Minister.
In Thailand, whenever a new government is formed or a cabinet reshuffle takes place, one of the most closely watched positions is often the Finance Minister. The role of the Finance Minister is seen as the core of any government, entrusted with controlling fiscal policy and driving economic growth to meet government objectives.
During the formation of the new government led by Bhumjaithai Party leader and Prime Minister-designate Anutin Charnvirakul, preparations for the “First Anutin Cabinet” had already begun prior to the parliamentary vote on September 5.
Anutin placed particular emphasis on positions concerning economic and diplomatic affairs, considering these key areas. He clearly outlined his criteria: appointees must be highly professional, of great credibility, widely recognized, and able to immediately begin work effectively.
This is especially important, as the new government is constrained and must dissolve parliament within four months of presenting its policy agenda.
According to sources within the Bhumjaithai Party, the Finance Minister position was initially offered to people highly respected in the economic and financial sectors, including Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput—whose term ends September 30—and his predecessor Veerathai Santiprabhob. However, both declined the offer.
Subsequently, attention shifted to Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office at the Ministry of Finance. He is a senior official within the ministry, has served in multiple departments, and has experience working with publicly listed companies.
Ekniti is regarded as being well-versed in fiscal instruments, able to work closely with Ministry of Finance officials, and is capable of implementing urgent fiscal measures within a limited timeframe to stimulate economic development.
Upon being approached, Ekniti initially said he needed two to three days to consider, and ultimately agreed to take on the role of Finance Minister.