Prayut makes decision on finance minister, holds off on revealing name

Prayut had previously said that the candidate should be an economic expert and have knowledge of how the government works. He had also said that he would choose a new person, instead of reshuffling the Cabinet.
Though the name of the candidate has not been revealed, the media expects it to be former transport minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
Arkhom was transport minister in Prayut’s first government after the 2014 military coup. Before that, he was secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board, a state think-tank that is now known as National Economic and Social Development Council.
He is said to be one of the many influential people who pushed for the upgrading of the railway system to solve traffic congestion in big cities and between provinces, as well as cut down on excessive dependence on road transport.
Former finance minister Predee Daochai stepped down on September 1, just 27 days after taking office. Though Predee cited health reasons for his decision, observers believe he had a conflict with his deputy over the promotion of senior officials at the Finance Ministry.