New Permanent Secretary Appointed for Thailand's Ministry of Commerce

According to a report by Prachachat Business, the Thai Cabinet has officially approved the appointment of Poonpong Naiyanapakorn as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. Mr. Poonpong, who currently serves as the Director-General of the Department of Business Development, is set to replace the outgoing Wuttikrai Leewiraphan, who will retire at the end of September 2026.

Mr. Poonpong is recognized for his work in implementing the 'Thai Helps Thai' cost-of-living reduction measures and his efforts in addressing the issue of business nominees. For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this leadership transition within the Ministry of Commerce is significant as it oversees key economic policies, trade regulations, and business registration processes that impact the local commercial environment.

While the appointment has been approved by the Cabinet, the transition will officially take place following Mr. Wuttikrai’s retirement at the end of September. Observers will be watching to see how the new Permanent Secretary continues to manage the 'Thai Helps Thai' initiative and whether there will be shifts in the Ministry’s approach to business oversight and trade policy. Further details regarding his specific strategic priorities for the Ministry are expected to be clarified as he assumes his new role in October.