Business sector unhappy over new Industry Minister

Industry Minister Pracha Promnok

 "He hardly knows anything about industry. I think he should have been made Interior Minister. Anyway, we have no choice but to accept this and hope he chooses the right advisors and works closely with the private sector," a source in the Federation of Thai Industries said.

He added that having Pracha on the job would make it more difficult to restore the confidence of local and foreign investors, and that he would need to work really hard at developing the industrial sector.

 "This Cabinet has many potentially good ministers, but they have been put in the wrong positions. I think Pracha should probably consult with the former industry minister, Pinit Jarusombat. However, I don't have any expectations of this government," Kietpong Noichaiboon, CEO of Ekarat Engineering, said.

 He also advised the Industry Ministry to draw up a long-term roadmap for industrial development.

"We should first have a clear focus on which industries we want to develop. Then, we should promote innovative investment in these industries instead of general investment, which would not provide enough benefits for the country," he added.

The most difficult job an Industry Minister faces is boosting investors' confidence amid political chaos and a global economic slowdown. Therefore, Pracha would need to coordinate with the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) to continue with the development plan of the Southern Seaboard, which has suffered delays and is holding back the establishment of steel smelters.

He also needs to talk to other ministries about manipulating the National Agenda on Canes and give the country clear direction on promoting vehicles that are eco-friendly and E85 compatible.

Another project he needs to follow up on is the pollution reduction plan in Map Ta Phut and other industrial areas, as well as set up stricter anti-pollution regulations.