Bangkok: Suphajee Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, has assured that the recent reshuffle of top officials at the Ministry of Commerce will not lead to any significant repercussions. According to Ms. Suphajee, the reshuffling process was carried out with the consensus of both the new and old permanent secretaries, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity within the ministry's operations. Despite the impending resignation of the WTO ambassador, who had been sidelined, Ms. Suphajee emphasized that there would be no internal unrest, as the ambassador had completed his six-year term and was due to return.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Suphajee elaborated on the direction of the Ministry of Commerce's work following the reshuffle of the director-general and nine C10-level officials. She highlighted that all officials are actively engaged in their responsibilities to advance the ministry's established policies, which are anchored on five core objectives: managing the cost of living, supporting agricultural products, facilitating export negotiations to ensure continuity, and supporting SMEs.

When questioned about the restructuring of the Ministry of Commerce's senior management, Ms. Suphajee stated that it would focus on the suitability and capabilities of the personnel. The restructuring is a collaborative effort involving herself, Mr. Wutikrai Leewiraphan, the Permanent Secretary, and Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, who was recently appointed as the new Permanent Secretary by the Cabinet. The trio is working in unison to ensure that the personnel selected are well-suited for their roles.

Regarding the news of Ms. Pimchanok Wonkhoporn's resignation as Thailand's Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization, Ms. Suphajee clarified that Ms. Wonkhoporn's term had expired. After serving for four years, with options to extend her term twice for an additional year each, Ms. Wonkhoporn has decided to step down. She wishes to care for her mother abroad, which Ms. Suphajee noted is a normal procedure. Ms. Suphajee reassured that the reshuffle would not lead to significant disruptions within the Ministry of Commerce, as all officials remain dedicated to their work and committed to implementing beneficial policies.