The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Areepong Bhoocha-oom as the new permanent secretary for finance. He will succeed outgoing Sathit Limpongpun on October 1.
Areepong, who is now serving as director-general of the Excise Department, beat several other candidates, notably secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) Dr Ampon Kitti-ampon, for the top bureaucratic position. Before this, Areepong served as director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Committee.
Ampon, who will fully serve his two terms at the NESDB, has to be satisfied with an offer as secretary to the Cabinet.
"Areepong is a suitable candidate for the permanent secretary post because of his experience in managing state enterprises and also tax matters," said Sathit, the retiring permanent secretary. "His main task is to help balance the budget within five years."
The Finance Ministry has also gone through a massive reshuffle with the impending departure of Sathit. Deputy permanent secretary Naris Chaiyasoot will become director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, while the office's incumbent chief, Sathit Rangkasiri, will head the Revenue Department. Revenue Department director-general Winai Wittawatkaravet will go on to lead the Treasury Department.
Pongpanu Svetarundra is moving from the Comptroller-General's Office to the Excise Department. Succeeding him is Rangsan Srivorasart, now an inspector-general. Another inspector-general, Prasong Poonthanet, has been named Customs Department chief.
Customs Department Director-General Somchai Sajjapongse will head the State Enterprise Policy Committee. Three other officials - Supa Piyajitti, Somchai Poonsawat and Thevan Vichitakul - have been named deputy permanent secretaries.
The reshuffle list was submitted to the Cabinet yesterday by Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, who has already appointed Dr Prasarn Trairatvorakul as governor of the Bank of Thailand. Areepong's appointment will be Korn's important second appointment. Areepong is believed to have a close relationship with Niphon Phromphand, a former secretary to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and a key Democrat member. Areepong's appointment is also influenced by the Democrats.
Areepong might not be a tax man by training, but his task will be challenging in garnering revenue to cope with the ever-rising expenditure of the government, which at the same time aims to balance the budget in five years.