Cabinet Appoints New Permanent Secretary for Commerce Ministry
Poonpong Nayanapakarana, director-general of the Business Development Department, has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, replacing the retiring Wuthikrai Leeveeraphant. He brings over 18 years of gove
The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Poonpong Nayanapakarana, currently director-general of the Business Development Department, as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. He replaces Wuthikrai Leeveeraphant, the current permanent secretary, who will retire on September 30, 2026, with the appointment effective from the royal decree date.
Poonpong brings extensive experience to the role, having served as director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, deputy permanent secretary, inspector-general, and associate director-general of the Business Development Department. He has also worked in provincial commerce offices in Chachoengsao, Pathum Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Samut Sakhon over more than 18 years of service.
Poonpong has been a key figure in proposing economic relief projects for citizens during economic crises, particularly in reducing living costs through the Thai Help Thai initiative, which aimed to lower prices of essential consumer goods. This concept was eventually integrated into the government's core policy. He has also successfully addressed longstanding nominee business problems through preventive systems and coordinated enforcement efforts with relevant agencies.
The Commerce Ministry expressed confidence that the new permanent secretary's appointment will ensure continuity in administration and advance the ministry's mission to generate tangible results that benefit citizens, the business sector, and the country's overall economy.
