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Published on September 5, 2007

His "to do" list will also include free-trade-agreement negotiations, the problem of falling prices for

farm crops and consumer price controls.

Siripol, currently director-general of the Commerce Ministry's Internal Trade Department, yesterday won Cabinet approval for a two-year term as the ministry's top manager.

The Cabinet also approved the appointment of Bank of Thailand Assistant Governor Nitaya Pibulratanagit as a deputy governor for support services. Nitaya will succeed Swangchit Chaiyawat, who retires at the end of the month.

Siripol will succeed Karun Kittisataporn, who also retires on September 30. His appointment was unexpected, given that three candidates were shortlisted, but Siripol's was the only name submitted for Cabinet consideration.

The other two candidates were Foreign Trade Department director-general Apiradi Tantraporn and Export Promotion Department director-general Rachane Potjanasuntorn.

Karun said he selected Apiradi and Siripol's names for further consideration by Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet.

Krirk-krai then consulted Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont for a final decision.

Karun said Siripol's strengths were his energy as a bureaucrat, quickness in problem-solving and creative ideas. He had also performed well in solving the problems of dropping prices for farm goods.

Speaking yesterday to the media, Siripol presented a development plan with three priorities.

First is expansion of the Commerce Ministry's operation room, to monitor trade information closely in terms of export-import data, import tariffs and main production in each of the Kingdom's major trading partners.

Currently, the operation room is set up within the Internal Trade Department and focuses on monitoring domestic commodity prices and consumer goods.

Second, the ministry will establish a new farm-goods system, because Thailand's farm goods have lost their export benefits.

The ministry will consider imposing a local tax on imported farm goods, because Thai commodities are subject to local duties in many markets.

Third, Thailand will initiate talks with major trading partners in an effort to reduce these local taxes.

Siripol said he had not expected to be appointed to the top job despite Krirk-krai and Karun both giving him a chance to claim the position.

"I may not be as bright as the other candidates, but I really have strong intentions to work and serve the public.

"Handling the ministry's top management [position] will be quite hard for me, but it is my best chance to work more," Siripol said.

Siripol will be instrumental in proposing candidates to succeed him as director-general of the Internal Trade Department.

However, a ministry source said a leading candidate for the job is the ministry's deputy permanent secretary, Yangyong Phuangrach.

Achara Pongvutitham,

 Petchanet Pratruangkrai

 The Nation