Anutin Selects Ekniti as Finance Minister to Deliver Swift Economic Stimulus
Experienced technocrat Ekniti Nitithanprapas is tapped to drive urgent fiscal policy in Thailand’s new Anutin administration
The appointment of a finance minister is routinely among the most closely watched moves each time Thailand reconstitutes its government.
The incoming Anutin administration, headed by Prime Minister‑elect Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, has moved decisively on this front—substantively reinforcing its economic credentials before parliament's approval on September 5.
Economic and foreign affairs portfolios were made priorities, with appointees selected for their professionalism, credibility, and readiness to govern immediately.
This urgency reflects the government’s agreed timeline to dissolve parliament within four months of presenting its policy agenda.
Prominent figures in economic policy were initially approached for the finance role, including the current central bank governor, whose term concludes on September 30, and his predecessor—both declined.
The focus then shifted to Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the Treasury Department’s director‑general and a veteran of the ministry with leadership roles across fiscal policy, tax administration, and state enterprises.
Ekniti accepted the offer after thoughtful reflection.
Anutin described the choice as both a sacrifice and pivotal in Ekniti’s public service career.
He noted that although Ekniti has six years remaining in civil service, he prioritised national interest over personal advancement when he agreed to step into the role.
Anutin underscored Ekniti’s deep institutional knowledge and experience in leading departments such as Fiscal Policy, State Enterprises, Revenue, Excise and now Treasury.
This continuity, he said, ensures an immediate capability to enact urgent micro‑ and macro‑fiscal stimulus measures.
Among the first tasks given to Ekniti was a rapid review of the "Khon La Khrueng" ("Let’s Go Halves") co‑payment scheme, deemed essential to deliver timely relief amid the government’s limited timeframe.
As Thailand faces economic headwinds, Ekniti’s selection signals a commitment to steady, expertled governance.
With public expectations high, the new finance minister will be pivotal in translating policy into tangible outcomes.
The incoming Anutin administration, headed by Prime Minister‑elect Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, has moved decisively on this front—substantively reinforcing its economic credentials before parliament's approval on September 5.
Economic and foreign affairs portfolios were made priorities, with appointees selected for their professionalism, credibility, and readiness to govern immediately.
This urgency reflects the government’s agreed timeline to dissolve parliament within four months of presenting its policy agenda.
Prominent figures in economic policy were initially approached for the finance role, including the current central bank governor, whose term concludes on September 30, and his predecessor—both declined.
The focus then shifted to Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the Treasury Department’s director‑general and a veteran of the ministry with leadership roles across fiscal policy, tax administration, and state enterprises.
Ekniti accepted the offer after thoughtful reflection.
Anutin described the choice as both a sacrifice and pivotal in Ekniti’s public service career.
He noted that although Ekniti has six years remaining in civil service, he prioritised national interest over personal advancement when he agreed to step into the role.
Anutin underscored Ekniti’s deep institutional knowledge and experience in leading departments such as Fiscal Policy, State Enterprises, Revenue, Excise and now Treasury.
This continuity, he said, ensures an immediate capability to enact urgent micro‑ and macro‑fiscal stimulus measures.
Among the first tasks given to Ekniti was a rapid review of the "Khon La Khrueng" ("Let’s Go Halves") co‑payment scheme, deemed essential to deliver timely relief amid the government’s limited timeframe.
As Thailand faces economic headwinds, Ekniti’s selection signals a commitment to steady, expertled governance.
With public expectations high, the new finance minister will be pivotal in translating policy into tangible outcomes.
