Supachai pointed out that the Ministry of Commerce's new top-level reshuffle follows a joint consensus between the new and former permanent secretaries. She is confident there will be no unrest within the ministry after the WTO ambassador planned to resign following reassignment, stressing that after the 6-year term, the ambassador must return.
11 Sep 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Supachai Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, spoke about the ministry’s direction following the reshuffle of nine C10-level directors and officials, saying everyone is tasked with advancing the Ministry of Commerce’s policies, which remain the same five key challenges, including managing the cost of living, agricultural products, export negotiations to ensure continuity, and supporting SMEs.
When asked further, Supachai said the new senior management appointments are based on personnel suitability and capability. This was a joint decision among herself, Mr. Wuttikrai Leewirapant, the permanent secretary, and Mr. Poonpong Nainapaporn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, who was appointed by the cabinet as the new permanent secretary. The three work together to ensure suitability.
Regarding reports of dissatisfaction from Ms. Pimchanok Wonkorporn, Thailand’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization, who requested to resign, after the cabinet approved her appointment as the Ministry of Commerce’s inspector general, Supachai clarified that her term had ended, as she served 4 years and could renew twice for 1 year each, totaling 6 years, which Ms. Pimchanok has now completed. She has family abroad and wishes to care for her mother, which is well understood. Supachai reiterated that when a term ends, the official must return to Thailand.
When asked if the reshuffle would cause unrest within the Ministry of Commerce, Supachai assured it would not. Everyone is focused and committed to working and delivering policy benefits. She concluded by saying, “When you cannot extend further, it must end, and you must return after six years.”