Outsiders shore up cabinet

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has appointed nine non-politicians to his new cabinet, ensuring their expertise will benefit the development of the country during his short-term administration.

Borwornsak Uwanno

Deputy Prime Minister

Mr Borwornsak, 70, is a renowned Thai jurist, academic, and public law expert, often hailed as a “master of public law.” Born on Oct 19, 1954, in Songkhla province, he is the seventh child of Wiphat and Aree Uwanno.

He graduated with a first-class honours degree in law from Chulalongkorn University in 1975 and became a Thai barrister-at-law the following year.

Mr Borwornsak continued his studies in France, earning advanced degrees in administrative law and public law from Paris-Panthéon-Assas University and Paris Nanterre University, completing his doctorate with a distinction in 1982.

Mr Borwornsak began his career as a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Law in 1976 and later became dean in 1995.

His public service career includes roles as deputy secretary-general to the prime minister for political affairs (1989), secretary-general of King Prajadhipok’s Institute (1999–2003), and Cabinet secretary-general (2003–2006).

After the 2014 coup, he chaired the Constitution Drafting Committee in 2015.

He has been recognised as the National Outstanding Researcher in Law (1999) and was appointed professor emeritus by Chulalongkorn University.

He currently serves as president of the Songkhla Rajabhat University Council and continues to play an influential role in shaping Thailand’s legal and governance reforms.

Ekniti Nitithanprapas                   

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister

Mr Ekniti, 54, is a distinguished economist and public servant with extensive experience in fiscal management and corporate governance.

He completed a first-class honours degree in economics at Thammasat University, followed by a master’s in economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a doctorate in economics from Claremont Graduate University in the United States.

He has been recognised with numerous awards, including Outstanding Alumnus of Illinois, Outstanding Scholar of the Thai Civil Service, and Thai Economist of the Year.

Mr Ekniti began his career in public service at the Ministry of Finance as a junior official at the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), before rising to become director of the Macroeconomic Policy Bureau at the FPO.

At one point, he was posted abroad as minister counsellor for fiscal and economic affairs in the United Kingdom and Europe, and later served as a senior advisor to the World Bank in Washington.

He was appointed director of the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo), followed by director-general of the Revenue Department, then director-general of the Excise Department, and currently serves as director-general of the Treasury Department.

He has chaired and served on the boards of major institutions, including TMBThanachart Bank, PTT Exploration & Production, Thai Airways, Krung Thai Bank, and EXIM Bank.

Vorapak Tanyawong

Deputy Finance Minister

Mr Vorapak, 61, is a seasoned banker and financial strategist with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.

He earned a bachelor of science in management science and computer systems from Oklahoma State University and an MBA in finance from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

He began his career specialising in leasing at IBM Thailand and subsequently held senior executive positions in major international banks, including managing director at Bank of America in Thailand, Deutsche Bank Thailand, and JP Morgan (Thailand).

Seen as a leading figure in the business sector, he has also served as a senior executive at Siam Commercial Bank and led Finansa Securities and Finansa Capital as chief executive officer.

From 2012 to 2016, he was president and CEO of Krung Thai Bank, where he implemented key organisational reforms.

His leadership earned him the Thailand Business Leader of the Year Award and the Finance Executive of the Year accolade in 2015.

Mr Vorapak has also served as adviser to former deputy prime minister and finance minister Pichai Chunhavajira, contributing to trade negotiations with the United States.

His appointment as deputy finance minister reflects his expertise in banking, finance, and international economic policy, reinforcing Thailand’s fiscal and trade strategies.

Suphajee Suthumpun

Commerce Minister

Ms Suphajee, 61, is a distinguished business executive and veteran leader in the hospitality, telecommunications, and property sectors.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Thammasat University and holds a master’s degree in business administration, specialising in finance and international accounting, from Northrop University, California.

Ms Suphajee began her career with IBM, where she served for over 20 years and became the first woman in Thailand to be appointed general manager.

In 2011, she was appointed CEO of Thaicom Public Company, successfully steering the organisation from financial loss to stability.

She later joined Dusit International as Group CEO in 2016, leading the “Repositioning Dusit” initiative to modernise the brand and elevate its international standards.

She also spearheaded the multi-billion-baht Dusit Central Park project, a landmark mixed-use development in Bangkok, emphasising green spaces and sustainability.

Beyond executive roles, Ms Suphajee serves on the boards of several companies, including Dusit Estate, Baujour International, and Suan Lum Property, and has held positions with Kasikorn Bank and SCG Packaging.

She has been recognised by Forbes Asia among “50 Over 50: Asia 2024” and as a Power Business Woman 2023, reflecting her influence as a leading female executive in the region.

Sihasak Phuangketkeow

Foreign Affairs Minister

Mr Sihasak, 67, is a veteran diplomat with over four decades of service.

He was born on Dec 21, 1957. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science (international relations) from Chulalongkorn University and a master’s degree in international public policy from Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

He began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1979, rising through key positions including director-general of the Department of Information and ministry spokesman, notably during the 2003 Phnom Penh embassy attack.

He later served as director-general of the Asean and European Affairs Departments, deputy permanent secretary, and finally as permanent secretary (2013–2014). During Thailand’s 2014 political crisis, he served as acting foreign minister.

Mr Sihasak has held ambassadorial posts in Switzerland (Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva), Japan, and France. While in Geneva, he became the first Asian to chair the UN Human Rights Council (2010–2011).

Following his retirement in 2018, he continued contributing to diplomacy as adviser to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), secretary-general of the Asia Peace and Reconciliation Council, and senior adviser to the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD).

His appointment as foreign minister in Mr Anutin’s government is seen as pivotal for enhancing Thailand’s regional and global role.

Auttapol Rerkpiboon

Energy Minister

Mr Auttapol, 60, is a veteran of Thailand’s energy sector, with more than three decades of experience at PTT Plc.

Rising through the ranks, he served in key roles, including assistant and deputy CEO, before being appointed CEO in 2020.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Chulalongkorn University and a master’s degree in economics from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).

He also earned a diploma in petroleum management from the University of Oxford under a British Council scholarship, underscoring his strong academic foundation in both engineering and energy economics.

During his tenure at PTT, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s petroleum business, strengthening its brand recognition, and overseeing the strategic spin-off of PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) for stock market listing.

His expertise spans energy management, petroleum operations, and corporate governance, making him a highly respected figure in Thailand’s energy industry.

Now serving as minister of energy in the Anutin-led government, Mr Auttapol has prioritised national energy security and sovereignty, particularly in relation to maritime territorial disputes with Cambodia.

Known for his strategic vision and extensive experience, he continues to shape Thailand’s energy policies at the highest level.

Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat

Justice Minister

Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon is an experienced law enforcement officer with a distinguished career in the Royal Thai Police.

He began his service in 1997 at the Buri Ram Provincial Police Station as an investigative inspector, quickly earning recognition for his leadership and dedication.

Over the years, he advanced through key positions, including deputy commander and later commander of Buri Ram Provincial Police.

Later in his career, he was appointed deputy commissioner of the 3rd Provincial Police Region, his final post before entering public office.

Throughout his career, Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon has emphasised collaboration and mentorship, often highlighting the importance of teamwork and mutual support within the 3rd Provincial Police Region.

His contributions spanned operational and administrative roles, handling complex law enforcement duties and managing large-scale public events.

He earned a reputation for overseeing critical security operations, including traffic management and safety during the MotoGP World Championship at Chang International Circuit in 2025, and the Buri Ram Marathon 2025, demonstrating meticulous planning and coordination.

He also played a prominent role in ceremonial events, including retirement tributes for senior officers, reflecting his respected status within the police community.

Gen Natthaphon Nakphanit

Defence Minister

Gen Natthaphon, 64, widely known as “Big Lek”, is recognised for his expertise in military affairs and national security administration.

Born on Feb 13, 1961, he completed his education at the Armed Forces Preparatory School (Class 20), Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (Class 31, alongside Gen Apirat Kongsompong, who is a former commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army), the Command and General Staff College, and the National Defence College.

Gen Natthaphon began his military career commanding a light weapons company in the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 31st King’s Guard Regiment in 1988. He served as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College in 1993 and at the Army War College in 1997.

He later held leadership roles, including director and commander of the Army Operations Department, deputy chief of staff, and chief of staff of the Royal Thai Army. From 2018 to 2020, he was deputy commander-in-chief of the RTA.

Beyond military service, he contributed to the private sector as a board member of TMB Bank and IRPC Public Company. In 2020, he was appointed secretary-general of the National Security Council and led Thailand’s Covid-19 operational and integration centres.

After retirement, he became an adviser to former prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and assumed the role of defence minister under the current administration.

Lt Gen Adul Bunthamcharoen

Deputy Defence Minister

Lt Gen Adul is recognised for his extensive military experience and expertise in national security.

Born in the early 1960s, he is an alumnus of the Armed Forces Preparatory School (Class 26) and Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (Class 37), and has been honoured with the prestigious Chakradhorn Award as an outstanding alumnus of the Preparatory School.

He also studied at the National Defence College (Class 61), alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in 2018-2019.

Lt Gen Adul began his military career in Buri Ram, rising through the ranks from platoon commander to commanding officer of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Battalion. He served as the commander of the 2nd Army Region, focusing on border security and fostering relations with neighbouring countries.

Known as a frontline officer in the lower northeastern region, he developed close ties with local political figures, including influential regional leaders.

On Oct 1, 2024, he handed over command of the 2nd Army Region to Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang before assuming his current role as deputy defence minister in the Anutin administration.

His appointment is widely regarded as strengthening national security oversight, particularly in the northeastern provinces, a key political base of the Bhumjaithai Party.

Source – Bangkok News