Incoming Commerce Permanent Secretary Defends Official Transfers

Matichon•Economy•1d ago

Reader Briefing

Incoming Permanent Secretary Poonpong Nainabhakorn defended the recent Ministry of Commerce official transfers as merit-based and conducted without external interference.

•Poonpong Nainabhakorn denied allegations that official transfers caused demoralization among staff.
•Transfers focused on 'department insiders' with proven responsibility, such as Wattanasak Sueiam.
•Pimchanok Pitfield was transferred to Inspector General after completing a 6-year term in Geneva.
•Oramon Sapthaweetham was moved from Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property to Inspector General.

Overview

•Poonpong Nainabhakorn stated that official transfers are based on suitability and balance, denying any bias or harassment toward individuals.
•Poonpong Nainabhakorn noted that the current Minister of Commerce allowed the current and incoming Permanent Secretaries to discuss transfers due to their familiarity with ministry personnel.
•Poonpong Nainabhakorn confirmed that transferred officials are 'department insiders' who are already experienced in their responsibilities.
•Pimchanok Pitfield was transferred to the position of Inspector General because she completed her 4-year term and two 1-year extensions, totaling 6 years.
•Pimchanok Pitfield's term as Ambassador would have officially ended in February 2027, but the transfer was processed earlier to meet Cabinet and royal appointment timelines.
•Pimchanok Pitfield previously applied for Deputy Director General or Assistant Director General of WIPO but was not selected.
•Oramon Sapthaweetham was moved to Inspector General after she declined a proposed appointment as Ambassador to the WTO and WIPO in Geneva.
•Poonpong Nainabhakorn argued that whether the transfers are fair should be decided by neutral parties based on performance results.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Entities

Person

Poonpong Nainabhakorn(พูนพงษ์ นัยนาภากรณ์)

Director General of the Department of Business Development and incoming Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce.

Wattanasak Sueiam(วัฒนศักย์ เสือเอี่ยม)

A former Director General of the Department of Internal Trade who was transferred.

Pimchanok Pitfield(พิมพ์ชนก พิตต์ฟีลด์)

Former Thai Ambassador to the WTO and WIPO in Geneva who was transferred to Inspector General.

Oramon Sapthaweetham(อรมน ทรัพย์ทวีธรรม)

Former Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property transferred to Inspector General.

Organization

Ministry of Commerce(กระทรวงพาณิชย์)ℹ️

The government ministry overseeing official transfers mentioned in the article.

Department of Business Development(กรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า)

The department headed by Poonpong Nainabhakorn.

Department of Internal Trade(กรมการค้าภายใน)

The department previously led by Wattanasak Sueiam.

World Trade Organization (WTO)(องค์การการค้าโลก)

The international organization where Pimchanok Pitfield served as a representative.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)(องค์การทรัพย์สินทางปัญญาโลก)

The international organization where Pimchanok Pitfield served and applied for a leadership role.

Cabinet(ครม.)

The government body that approved the nomination of Pimchanok Pitfield for WIPO positions.

Department of Intellectual Property(กรมทรัพย์สินทางปัญญา)

The department previously led by Oramon Sapthaweetham.

Department of International Trade Negotiations(กรมเจรจาการค้าระหว่างประเทศ)

The department where Oramon Sapthaweetham gained experience.

Place

Geneva(นครเจนีวา)ℹ️

The city where the WTO and WIPO representatives are stationed.