The government spokesperson revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Supachai is assembling a team of experts to serve as economic and trade advisors, aiming to strengthen the government's capabilities in competing globally.
On 9 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, the spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, disclosed that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Suthumpun has held discussions with economic and trade experts. These include former ambassadors to the Republic of Austria and the Federal Republic of Germany, a former ambassador in New Delhi, and a former Thai trade representative to the European Union, all of whom have been approached by the Deputy Prime Minister to serve as advisors and members of the Thailand Trade Representatives (TTR).
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized integrating knowledge from all sectors to develop comprehensive policies that effectively meet the needs of both citizens and businesses. The discussions covered macroeconomic issues, international trade, legal matters, and business development to find ways to reduce the impact of the current economic situation and prepare for future volatility.
At the same time, long-term proactive policies were outlined to enhance Thailand's competitive strength amid changes in global supply chains and trade geopolitics.
The group of economic and trade experts invited to advise the Deputy Prime Minister includes distinguished figures from various fields: Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, former Minister of Tourism and Sports; Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Executive Vice President, Company Secretary, and Executive Director at Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited; Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation in Jakarta; Mr. Nat Luangnarumitchai, capital market expert from the Stock Exchange of Thailand; Dr. Yanyong Thaicharoen, Chief Economist and CEO of Economic and Sustainability Research at SCB Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC), and former Director of Monetary Policy at the Bank of Thailand; Associate Professor Dr. Arm Tangnirandorn, Director of the China Studies Center at the Institute of Asian Studies; Dr. Pipat Luangnarumitchai, Managing Director and Chief Economist of the Financial Business Group at Kiatnakin Phatra Securities Public Company Limited; Mr. Pusit Rattanakulserireongrit, former Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce; and Mr. Anan Lapsuksatit, Chairman of K Agro Innovate Institute and expert in agriculture and agro-processing.
Also included are Ms. Nongnuch Petchrat, former Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and the Federal Republic of Germany; Mr. Chutinan Kongsak, former Ambassador in New Delhi; and Mr. Weerapong Prapa, former Thai Trade Representative to the European Union, who have been invited by the Deputy Prime Minister to be members of the Thailand Trade Representatives (TTR).