The Thai Cabinet has yet to move forward with the endorsement of a new Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor, leaving the agenda item off its meeting today, sources at Government House revealed.
The decision on selecting a successor to current BoT Governor Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput—which is a critical step as he approaches the end of his term on September 30, 2025—remains pending.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Pichai Chunhavajira, announced yesterday that he has signed off on the nomination for the next Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BoT). The nominee will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration on July 15, 2025. However, Mr. Pichai declined to disclose the name of the candidate.
Commenting on the process, Mrs. Natjaree Anuntasilpa, Secretary-General of the Cabinet, told reporters this morning that the Cabinet Secretariat has not yet received the formal documentation required from the Ministry of Finance. Consequently, the proposal to nominate a new central bank governor has not been scheduled for inclusion on today’s Cabinet meeting agenda in the usual manner.
When questioned about the possibility of considering the appointment as an ad hoc matter, Mrs. Natjaree explained that while such a procedure is permitted, it demands thorough preparation. She stressed the need for complete documentation and strict adherence to all legal qualifications before the matter can be brought before the Cabinet as an urgent item.
The delay adds to the uncertainty hanging over Thailand’s monetary policy leadership at a time when steady guidance from the central bank remains crucial. Market participants and financial stakeholders will be watching closely for updates from the Ministry of Finance as the September deadline approaches.
The selection process reached a major milestone on June 24, 2025, when the BoT Governor Selection Committee submitted the names of two candidates, both of whom had progressed through a round of interviews and vision presentations, for the finance minister’s consideration. The shortlisted candidates are Mrs. Roong Poshyananda Mallikamas, Deputy Governor responsible for Financial Institution Stability at the BoT, and Mr. Withai Ratanakorn, Director of the Government Savings Bank.
The final appointment will be announced following the Cabinet’s formal review.
The latest report shows that the proposal did not submit into today’s agenda of the cabinet meeting due to its late submission. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said that the proposal will be considered at the meeting next week, reiterating that all details remain the same.
