The new chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries pledges to patch up differences among members and revamp the way the FTI elects its chairman, which are deemed the main issues causing conflict within Thailand's largest private organisation.
Supant Mongkolsuthree (right) was appointed the new chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, replacing Payungsak Chartsutthipol (holding microphone). Wisit Thamngern
"That will be my top priority," said Supant Mongkolsuthree, who was appointed as the new FTI chairman yesterday, replacing outgoing Payungsak Chartsutthipol.
"Election regulations in particular need to be changed, as every time we have a chairmanship election, we always lose our good friends and colleagues."
The battle for the FTI chairmanship had intensified due to the ingrained differences between large firms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the federation, with one supporting Mr Payungsak, a former executive of Siam Cement Group.
By the middle of last month, most of the FTI's 348 committee members threw their support behind Mr Supant, the 56-year-old chief executive of Synnex (Thailand), an SET-listed computer accessories and components firm.
But one candidate later petitioned the Central Administrative Court to nullify the election results, saying the elections were not conducted transparently.
The court is scheduled to start an inquiry this Friday.
However, Mr Supant said there is a high likelihood the court will turn down the petition, insisting the voting process was transparent.
Though the court's ruling is pending, Mr Supant said all FTI members were poised to work closely within their 42 industrial groups and bring in large industrial organisations such as Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc and Thai Beverage Plc as consultants to help SMEs.
In a related development, the new FTI chairman voiced concern over the escalating trend of political conflict, saying he was afraid more violence could take place after next week's Songkran holiday, putting even more pressure on the economy.
The emergence of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, also known as the red shirts, who have vowed a big rally in Bangkok during Songkran to show their support for the government, might trigger a possible confrontation with the People’s Democratic Reform Committee, he said.
"If violence occurs, I believe this will be a disaster for the economy, eventually spooking investors away from Thailand," Mr Supant added.