Finance/BoT

Chatrudee Theparat

Deputy Prime Minister and the Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is ready to talk to Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, governor to the Bank of Thailand, to seek solutions for economic direction.

Mr Pichai said on Tuesday (May 7) morning that he is ready to talk to Mr Sethaput in order to seek balance and conformity between economic machinery of fiscal and monetary policies. The talk is aimed at seeking solutions for economic management of two machines in an effort to implement economic policies in the same direction.

It's a normal process to hold a talk between the finance minister and the BoT’s governor. Two agencies have both duty and responsibilities to work together. We have to talk about the real problems," Mr Pichai said.

“I believed that Mr Sethaput’s work is based on fact and responsibility. In addition, in the past, we had worked together sometimes, therefore I thought we should talk and can work in the same direction.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira (center)

Mr Pichai said BoT still has its independence on matters of monetary policy. Freedom has always been at the central bank.

Asked about the amendment of the BoT law to bring the BoT under the supervision of the government, Mr Pichai said this matter should be considered whether it was a problem.

“If we talk and it can settle, I believe that differences of opinion will gradually become narrow and bring good conclusions. Party concerns can meet and make decisions and good judgement can support the government policy.”

Asked about, the problems that were raised by the Prime Minister's, and the Pheu Thai Party will be solved when he becomes a minister of Finance. Mr Pichai said he has not yet talked to Mr Sreetha on the problems and please let him discuss with the PM first.

He responded to the question of whether there will be other projects to assist Thai people during this period or not. He said the measure will be a parallel policy. The ministry will find tools to drive the economy along with solving existing problems.

“Thai people are the ones who really push for the policy. If the government can solve the urgent problems, it will have momentum to drive the Thai economy.”

Mr Pichai said the digital wallet scheme now is a regular job because it is a government policy. The finance ministry will discuss this evening and the progress will be announced.