STAY THE COURSE

Permanent secretary to take post on Oct 1

The private sector calls on the Commerce Ministry’s new permanent secretary to continue the same strategies.

The private sector has called on the incoming permanent secretary of the Commerce Ministry to continue speeding up free-trade talks, take care of the rising cost of living, monitor farm product prices and develop local economies.

Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said Boonyarit Kalayanamit seems suited to the post, given his experience and expertise in internal and international trade issues.

Mr Boonyarit, now director-general of the Internal Trade Department, will replace outgoing Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, who is scheduled to retire on Sept 30.

He will be the first male permanent secretary at the Commerce Ministry in six years. Since 2012, only women have held the post.

The cabinet yesterday approved the appointment of Mr Boonyarit as the new permanent secretary, effective Oct 1.

Other approved appointments included Wichai Phochanakij, now the deputy permanent secretary, who will become the Internal Trade Department’s director-general; Banjongjitt Angsusingh, now the deputy permanent secretary, who will become director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department; and Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, now the ministry’s inspector-general, who will become director-general of the Business Development Department.

Visit Limlurcha, vice-chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, said exporters have called on the new permanent secretary to more actively promote Thai products that are popular with foreign tourists, a move that could help boost Thai exports.

Mr Boonyarit, 57, said yesterday that he was ready to carry on existing Commerce Ministry strategies related to local economy development, public-private collaboration, easing cost of living, raising farm product prices and stimulating export growth.

‘‘ I am ready to carry on existing Commerce Ministry strategies related to local economy development, public-private collaboration, easing cost of living, raising farm product prices and stimulating export growth. BOONYARIT KALAYANAMIT Incoming commerce permanent secretary