Warawut acknowledged that he has not yet proposed the name of a new permanent secretary for the Ministry of Industry to the Cabinet this week. He is waiting to discuss with Prime Minister Anutin after his return from overseas duties, noting the current official is capable and knowledgeable. After completing four years, he hopes the official will have opportunities to grow.
At 09:50 on 18 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, spoke at the Government House regarding the nomination of the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Industry. On whether the nomination would be submitted to the Cabinet meeting, he said the Cabinet meeting this week will not include this agenda. They must wait for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Minister of Interior, to return from duties in Australia and New Zealand before further discussions on the approach.
Regarding the question about whether Natthaphon Rangsitphon, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Industry, who is completing his four-year term, will remain in his position, Warawut said, by law, senior officials serve four-year terms and then must be transferred. In special cases, the minister can propose an extension to the Cabinet for one year at a time, up to two times.
Addressing rumors about difficulties in nominating a new permanent secretary and the possibility of the current permanent secretary transferring to the Ministry of Energy, Warawut said this requires consultation with the Prime Minister and relevant parties to determine a course of action. The Ministry of Industry must wait because last week there were issues with incomplete documents for Cabinet submission, causing the matter to be withdrawn.
When asked if he wants the permanent secretary to continue working or be transferred, Warawut responded, the current permanent secretary is very capable and knowledgeable, especially in automotive and industrial sectors. Therefore, they will discuss the approach further with the Prime Minister. Personally, after completing four years, he hopes the official will have opportunities to grow. Previously, there was news about a possible transfer to the Ministry of Energy, which he welcomes as it is an important ministry.
When asked if he has spoken privately with the permanent secretary, Warawut said he expressed from the first day he took office that he has no objection. Since the Ministry of Energy was once part of the Ministry of Industry, their work is continuous.
Regarding rumors that Eknath Prompan, Minister of Energy, opposes the nomination and intends to promote an insider as the new permanent secretary, Warawut said this is a matter to discuss with the Prime Minister first. He emphasized that appointing the permanent secretary is the minister's responsibility to propose to the Cabinet, and he will consider the most suitable candidate.
When asked if the new permanent secretary will be an insider or outsider, Warawut said it remains to be seen. Insiders refer to those from within the Ministry of Industry, as anyone considered would be from the ministry. He also joked, "There are plenty of options because there are many talented people in the Ministry of Industry."