Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, former finance chief Kittiratt Ra-Ranong, Arthid Nanthawithaya, chief executive of SCB X Pcl, and Payong Srivanich, who heads state-run Krung Thai Bank Pcl, are probable candidates, according to analysts and local media.
On Friday, the prime minister was non-committal about doubling up as a finance minister, but said his Pheu Thai, which is leading an 11-member coalition, will keep the key economic ministries. The cabinet line-up may be announced in three to four days, and lawmakers set to be appointed as ministers will have their qualifications assessed from Monday, the party said in a statement, citing Srettha.
Srettha is an economics graduate from the University of Massachusetts and holds an MBA from Claremont Graduate School in the US. He worked at luxury builder Sansiri Pcl for more than three decades before resigning as its president and chief executive in April. While a minister, his reputation was sullied by constant clashes with the central bank governor, stemming from their opposing economic views. In 2013, Kittiratt told reporters that he had contemplated firing Prasarn Trairatvorakul, the central bank governor at the time.After having been passed over for the prime minister’s job, 37-year-old Paetongtarn, may be looking to gain some experience as a minister.