Pridiyathorn quits as Post's chairman

Pridiyathorn quits as Post's chairman

Former Bank of Thailand governor Pridiyathorn Devakula has resigned as a Post Publishing chairman of the board of directors, the company said in a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday.

MR Pridiyathorn submitted his resignation letter yesterday, the firm said, amid reports he intends taking up a cabinet post.

The resignation means he effectively ends his role of Post chairman.

MR Pridiyathorn is widely tipped to be a deputy prime minister overseeing economic policy for the government of Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha. He is chief economic adviser of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Five members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) expected to take up ministerial posts in the new cabinet have submitted their resignations.

NLA president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai yesterday said economist Narongchai Akrasenee had tendered his resignation as an NLA member.

Mr Narongchai, adviser to the NCPO on economic affairs, cited inconvenience in performing his duties at the NLA as the reason for his resignation, said Mr Pornpetch.

Businesswoman Kopkarn Suriyasatwattanawarangkul, Dr Ratchata Ratchatanawin, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board Akom Termpittayapaisit and deputy army chief-of-staff Lt Gen Surachet Chaiyawong also quit.

Senate secretary-general Norarat Pimsen yesterday said the Senate secretariat office has received the resignation letters from the NLA members.

Mr Pornpetch admitted he had been aware for some time that several NLA members were looking to resign. However, he assured that their resignations would not affect the work of the assembly, said Mr Pornpetch.

It would be up to the NCPO to appoint new NLA members, he added. There has been speculation that Mr Narongchai will become energy minister.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT