Bangkok: "Poonpong" emphasizes the reshuffling of commerce executives to place the right people in the right jobs, along with assigning important tasks to inspectors. The incoming Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce emphasized that executive reshuffles should prioritize the suitability of the person to the job, utilizing their knowledge and direct experience to drive the ministry's mission. He announced plans to assign key tasks to inspectors to leverage their capabilities in developing the ministry and will proceed with nine urgent missions in response to changing global trade.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development and prospective Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, addressed the appointment and transfer of senior executives within the Ministry of Commerce, stating that the key principle is considering the suitability of personnel to the mission. He explained that while in the past, executives could serve in any agency, this time the approach is to ensure that executives possess knowledge and experience directly relevant to the work of the department they will be responsible for, thereby enhancing productivity and better fulfilling the Ministry's mission. Regarding concerns about morale affected by the transfer of some executives to inspector-general positions, Mr. Poonpong stated that inspectors, deputy permanent secretaries, and directors-general are at the same level of management, despite their differing roles and responsibilities. Going forward, key tasks will be assigned to each inspec tor-general, allowing them to utilize their knowledge, abilities, and experience to drive and develop the Ministry.
Mr. Poonpong stated that the selection process for these executives involved discussions between the current Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and himself, as the prospective Permanent Secretary, because both parties were familiar with the personnel and mission of the Ministry. The selection was then presented to the Minister of Commerce for consideration. The Minister also inquired about the rationale and suitability of the personnel placements in each position. Mr. Poonpong cited the example of Ms. Jittima Srithaporn, who was appointed Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property from the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary, stating that she is a personnel who rose through the ranks of the Department of Intellectual Property, having held positions from director to deputy director-general before moving on to roles in the Department of International Trade, inspector, and deputy permanent secretary, and then returning to oversee the Department of Intellectual Property. Therefore , she possesses both the knowledge and experience directly relevant to the department's mission.
Similarly, he himself was a member of the Department of Business Development for approximately 30 years, rising to the position of Deputy Director-General before moving on to positions as Inspector-General, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS), before returning to become Director-General of the Department of Business Development. He believes that the accumulated knowledge and direct experience will help to move the department's work forward more quickly. Regarding Ms. Oramon Sapthaveetham, who was appointed from Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property as Inspector-General of the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Poonpong emphasized that bringing someone with direct experience back to manage the Department of Intellectual Property does not mean that Ms. Oramon lacks dedication to her work. Rather, Ms. Oramon has a background in the Department of International Trade Negotiations and expertise in trade negotiations. She was previously approached to work in Geneva to utilize her negotiation skills to assist the Ministry and the country, but he understands that Ms. Oramon may not have been available to do so.
Regarding the Department of Internal Trade, Mr. Wattanasak Suea-iam, formerly the Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Commerce, has returned as Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, replacing Mr. Witayakorn Maneenet, who has moved to the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. Mr. Wattanasak is a graduate of the Department of Internal Trade and possesses expertise in domestic trade, serving as another example of bringing knowledgeable and experienced individuals back to areas of expertise. Mr. Poonpong also clarified the case of Ms. Pimchanok Pittfield, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, who was appointed as an Inspector-General of the Ministry of Commerce. He explained that she completed her four-year term, which was extended twice for one year each, totaling six years. Upon completion of her term, she is required to rotate back to perform duties in Thailand as per normal procedure.
The appointment process, which began before the end of her term in early February, was a preemptive measure. This was necessary because it involved Cabinet approval and the appointment process, making it impossible to wait until the term expired to begin. Simultaneously adjusting other executive positions is part of the human resource management process. Previously, the Ministry of Commerce supported Ms. Pimchanok, including her application for the Deputy Director General position at WIPO. The Minister of Commerce presented the matter to the Cabinet to demonstrate the Thai government's support. However, the selection process did not meet expectations. Had she been selected, she would have been able to continue working in Geneva.
Regarding his work direction after officially assuming the position of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce on October 1, 2026, Mr. Poonpong plans to drive forward nine urgent missions to address changes in global trade. These changes stem from geopolitics, technology, trade patterns emphasizing risk diversification, environmental issues, and changing demographic structures, all of which impact trade rules and competition. The nine missions include: managing the cost of living appropriately; ensuring fair trade practices; creating opportunities and enhancing the potential of SMEs; increasing the value of exports of goods and services; accelerating key trade negotiations; preventing and suppressing illegal businesses and goods; upgrading services to be convenient, fast, and modern; modernizing regulations to be business-friendly; and overseeing and supporting the work of personnel.
Mr. Poonpong stated that human resources are crucial because policy implementation relies heavily on personnel. He emphasized the importance of team organization and placing people according to their abilities, providing them with tools and technology, and creating mechanisms to ensure civil servants can perform their duties transparently and securely. Meanwhile, dedicated workers should be recognized and given opportunities for advancement through a merit-based system.