Thai Cabinet Appoints Poonpong Naiyanapakorn as New Permanent Secretary of Commerce

This leadership change is part of a broader series of high-level civil service appointments across multiple ministries authorized during the Cabinet session.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn replaces Wuttikrai, the previous Permanent Secretary, as the top administrative official of the Ministry of Commerce. Reporting from Matichon Online and Thai PBS confirms the Cabinet’s approval of the appointment, which follows a selection process where Poonpong was one of the primary candidates considered for the role, alongside other officials such as Oramon, according to Manager Online.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Personnel Shifts

The Cabinet’s decision also included significant movements within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thanee Sangrat has been appointed as the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to The Standard. Thanee transitions into this role from his previous diplomatic posting as the Thai Ambassador to Seoul, South Korea.

Cabinet Approval and Selection Context

The appointment of the Permanent Secretary for Commerce was a key agenda item for the Cabinet. Thairath reported that the proposal was submitted for approval on the day of the meeting, with Poonpong identified as the expected appointee to succeed Wuttikrai.

Manager Online noted that the selection process involved a competitive review of high-ranking officials. The report highlighted that both Poonpong and Oramon were in contention for the position before the Cabinet finalized the decision to appoint Poonpong.

The Permanent Secretary serves as the highest-ranking career civil servant in a ministry, responsible for managing the operational execution of policies set by the politically appointed Minister. The transition from Wuttikrai to Poonpong marks a change in the administrative leadership of Thailand’s trade and commerce portfolio.