Commerce Ministry Reshuffles Senior Staff, Eyes Stability
Thailand's Commerce Ministry reshuffled nine senior officials on September 11, aiming to maintain stability while pursuing policies on cost-of-living support, agricultural care, and SME protection.
On the morning of September 11, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumnuanthai outlined the ministry's direction following the appointment of nine new senior officials and director-generals. She said all staff would pursue five core policy objectives: cost-of-living support, agricultural product care, export negotiation continuity, and SME protection. When asked how the new leadership would be oriented, Suphajee said appointments were made on merit and capability through joint consultation with newly appointed Permanent Secretary Withigrai Livieraphand and Commerce Business Development Department Director Poonpong Naiyaraphorn. She stressed there would be no internal friction, as all personnel were committed to implementing policy effectively. On Pimchanok Wongoan's resignation from her WTO ambassador post, Suphajee confirmed she had completed her full six-year term (four years plus two one-year renewals) and had decided to return to Thailand to care for her mother, a situation the ministry understood. Suphajee dismissed concerns of internal turmoil, saying once a term ended, personnel simply had to transition back—it was a normal process.
