Commerce Ministry Reshuffles Leadership, Clarifies Deputy's WTO Term
Thailand's Commerce Ministry appointed nine senior officials and clarified that departing WTO representative Pimpinok Vorakup was reassigned after completing her maximum six-year overseas posting term, not due to internal disputes.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammapun outlined the Commerce Ministry's direction following the appointment of nine new senior officials and Civil Service Level 10 staff, stating that all will work to advance the ministry's five core policy priorities: cost-of-living support, agricultural goods management, export negotiations for continuity, and SME assistance.
When asked about the selection process, Suphajee said appointments were based on personnel suitability and capability, made collaboratively between herself, Permanent Secretary Wuthikrai Leeveeraphun, and newly appointed Permanent Secretary Poonpong Naiyanaphap, the former Commerce Business Development Department Director.
Regarding reports of dissatisfaction from Pimpinok Vorakup, Thailand's permanent representative to the WTO and World Intellectual Property Organization, over her reassignment as Commerce Ministry Inspector-General, Suphajee explained that Vorakup has completed her overseas posting term. Having served four years with the option to extend for one additional year twice, totaling six years, Vorakup's term has ended. Suphajee noted Vorakup has family abroad and wishes to care for her mother, and emphasized that upon completion of her term, she must return to Thailand. "When the term ends, it ends. She must return because six years have passed," Suphajee said. She denied that the reshuffle would create internal friction, stating that all staff are committed and focused on policy implementation.
