Bangkok: Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, led the ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of the Ministry of Finance, attended by numerous esteemed guests, including executives from MCOT Public Company Limited who extended their congratulations.

According to Thai News Agency, the event was held at the Ministry of Finance with Pichai presiding over the water pouring ceremony for Buddha images and senior executives, coinciding with the Songkran Festival 2025. The event saw participation from executives, civil servants, and representatives from both government and private sectors.

The day’s activities commenced in the morning at the King Rama V Monument with a ceremony to pay homage to the ministry’s sacred objects and the inauguration of the Krung Thai Bank branch within the ministry to enhance financial services. At 8:15 a.m., a congratulatory ceremony was held in the lobby of the 150th Year Building, attended by executives and representatives from various state enterprises.

Executives from MCOT Public Company Limited, including Mr. Wuttipong Jittangsakul and Mr. Phatiyuth Jaisawang, expressed their congratulations during the event. The celebration also featured an award ceremony for individuals recognized for their honesty and sincerity, a Buddhist prayer ceremony, and a lunch offering to monks. The Minister of Finance joined the honored guests for lunch in the Kumpan Ngern Room and concluded the event with a Buddha image and water pouring ceremony for senior executives to usher in the Thai New Year.

The Ministry of Finance was originally established on April 7, 1875, during King Rama V’s reign. Initially known as the ‘Ministry of Finance’, it was tasked with overseeing national finances according to international standards before being renamed in 1942. Today, the ministry plays a crucial role in shaping fiscal policy, managing national income and expenditure, and promoting sustainable economic stability.