Thai PM's economic adviser picked to head central bank

Sethaput has few moves left to boost the slumping economy amid low inflation

Sethaput Suthiwart-Narueput has worked at the World Bank as a senior economist in the 1990s and early 2000s. (Courtesy of Bank of Thailand)

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer

July 29, 2020 19:16 JST

BANGKOK -- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s economic adviser and member of the monetary policy committee Sethaput Suthiwart-Narueput has been picked to be the next governor of Thailand’s central bank, tasked with boosting an economy hammered by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Thai cabinet endorsed Sethaput’s nomination by Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat on Wednesday. His appointment now needs the approval of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, a formality. Sethaput, 55, is scheduled to assume office on Oct. 1, the day after incumbent Gov. Veerathai Santiprabhob’s term ends.