Arak, outgoing energy minister, 'confident' policies will continue
Former energy minister Arak Chonlatanon is confident that his successor Pongsak Ruktapongpisal will continue the existing policies, especially adjustment of the energy-price structure before Thailand's entry to the Asean Economic Community in 2015.
At his farewell party yesterday at the ministry, Arak said he had discussed policies with Pongsak on the phone, so he was confident the new minister would continue them. The energy-price adjustment is awaiting a final decision by policy-makers.
He said he had few worries about the ministry’s direction, other than the need to promote public understanding of the necessity of changing the energy-price structure, a process that would take time.
He insisted that he had no plan to enter politics, as he was not a politician. Before his post at the ministry, he was chief executive officer of Thaicom.
“My nine-month stint at the ministry gave me a good opportunity to learn more about energy issues. I would like to thank all ministry officials for their support and collaboration,” Arak said.
He has no hidden agenda, he told officials at the farewell party.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commerce Minister Natthawut Saikua expressed confidence about his new job yesterday despite his lack of experience.
He also said he was ready to take on the job of defending his ministry when the rice-pledging scheme and the farm-subsidy policy are brought up for debate on the Parliament floor.
“I’m confident that my nine months at the Agriculture Ministry will pave the way for my new responsibilities. I am studying the government’s pledging projects so I can help the commerce minister explain them,” he said.
In addition, Natthawut said he would help solve the problem of the rising cost of living by tightening cooperation between the Agriculture and Commerce ministries.
Natthawut has been put in charge of the Business Development Department, the Intellectual Property Department, the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, which all fall under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Ministry.
