The Cabinet meeting approved the transfer of Natthapon Rangsitphon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, to the position of Advisor to the Prime Minister.
On 8 Sep 2026 GMT+7, sources from the Cabinet meeting reported that the session chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn approved transferring Natthapon Rangsitphon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, to serve as Advisor to the Prime Minister in the Permanent Secretary category (senior executive) under the Office of the Prime Minister.
However, the Cabinet meeting did not propose a new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, as the current Permanent Secretary must first legally complete his term before a replacement is appointed.
"Warawut" reveals the new Permanent Secretary will be someone from within, due to familiarity and knowledge of both weaknesses and areas needing improvement.
Warawut Sinlapacha, Minister of Industry, spoke about the Cabinet’s approval to transfer Natthapon Rangsitphon from Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry to Advisor to the Prime Minister in the Permanent Secretary category. He said the Cabinet agreed with the Office of the Prime Minister’s decision to transfer the current Permanent Secretary on 3-4 September, as his four-year term would end on 30 September 2026, in accordance with legal frameworks.
When asked if candidates for the new Permanent Secretary position had been considered, Warawut acknowledged that they had, but any further action must await the royal appointment decree before proceeding to the next steps.
Regarding the qualifications suitable for the new Permanent Secretary of Industry, Warawut said the person must be knowledgeable and have sufficient industry experience. They prefer an internal candidate who is well known, understands the weaknesses and issues to address, ensuring seamless continuation of work. He confirmed that several candidates have been considered, and once the royal appointment decree is issued and published in the Royal Gazette, the Ministry of Industry will submit the appointment proposal to the Cabinet for approval.
Hope to ensure seamless work continuation and prefer appointing someone for a longer term to maintain continuity.
When asked about the observation that under Prime Minister Anutin's government, Permanent Secretary appointments often favor candidates with longer civil service careers, and whether this would apply to the Ministry of Industry, Warawut said they focus on continuity of work. Different ministers may have varying approaches to appointing senior civil servants. The Prime Minister prioritizes work continuity, so if someone can serve in a senior position for 1, 2, 4, or 6 years, a four-year tenure helps maintain policy consistency and cooperation with agencies.
When asked if the new Permanent Secretary’s name was discussed with the Prime Minister yesterday, Warawut denied this, saying the meeting only covered current matters. The appointment of a new Permanent Secretary must await the royal appointment decree first.