Equal chance to all BOT governor candidates: Sommai

         All the five candidates presented their visions to the selection committee yesterday. Two names will be submitted for Sommai's consideration. The minister said that the matter should be concluded within three weeks.

         Concerning the rumour that Veerathai Santiprabhob, 45, stands the highest chance despite his age, Sommai said that age does not matter as long as the governor is knowledgeable, responsive to situations and independent. He also praised that the outgoing governor, Prasarn Trairatvorakul, has all the required qualifications.

         "Age doesn't matter as the job requires verbal discussions not physical fitness," he said. "

         There was also a rumour that Paiboon Kittisrikanwan, a deputy central bank governor, may fail in this race due to his role in the 1997 financial crisis as the chief currency trader.

         "Everybody has bruises. Will (my decision) face resistance? That remains to be seen. For now, I haven't yet made a decision."

         He noted that Thailand needs capable and suitable people. If an insider rises, it would bring pride to the institution. Yet, he reckoned that not all insiders have won praises.