Bangkok: Three significant networks of citizens have submitted a petition opposing the appointment of Kittirat Na-Ranong as Chairman of the Bank of Thailand’s board. The National Anti-Corruption Commission has compiled 20,999 signatures to protest this potential appointment, urging Statit Limpongpan to step down as Chairman of the selection committee due to past controversies surrounding the AIS concession case.

According to Thai News Agency, representatives from the Dharma Army Network, the Student and People’s Network for Thailand Reform (SPRT), and the People’s Center for the Protection of Institutions (PCD) congregated outside the Bank of Thailand at the Bang Khun Phrom Intersection. They symbolically protested against political interference in the institution’s operations. A representative from the Bank of Thailand received the petition, which will be forwarded to the Secretary of the Selection Committee for further consideration.

Mr. Pichit Chaiyamongkol, representing the three networks, outlined two
primary objections. The first is a strong opposition to political influence over the Bank of Thailand, specifically concerning the potential appointment of Kittirat Na-Ranong, a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The second objection calls for the resignation of Mr. Sathit Limpongpan from his role as Chairman of the selection committee. Mr. Sathit was previously mandated by the Supreme Court to compensate the state 66 billion baht in the AIS concession amendment case in 2001, which the networks argue makes him unfit for involvement in the governance of fiscal and monetary policies.

In response to the objections, the meeting to select the new Chairman of the Bank of Thailand board has been postponed to November 11. The networks plan to reconvene to voice their concerns if the issue remains unresolved. Furthermore, the legal team is exploring the possibility of escalating the matter to the Constitutional Court, drawing parallels to the case of Mr. Phichit Chuenban, with developments expected
within 15 days.

Mr. Pichit emphasized, “The right person to be the chairman of the Bank of Thailand must have the qualifications of someone with knowledge of the country’s finances and treasury and not have any connections to politicians.”