Ex-Credit Suisse Economist Quits Rate Panel to Become Thai Vice Finance Minister

Santitarn Sathirathai, a former economist at Credit Suisse Group AG, has quit as a member of the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee to join Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new government as a vice minister for finance, according to people familiar with the matter.Author of the article:You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.(Bloomberg) — Santitarn Sathirathai, a former economist at Credit Suisse Group AG, has quit as a member of the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee to join Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new government as a vice minister for finance, according to people familiar with the matter.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Santitarn, who was due to complete his three-year term as an independent member of the rate panel in October, is set to take office next week, said the people, who requested anonymity ahead of an official announcement. Santitarn could not be reached for comment. BOT, which no longer lists Santitarn as an MPC member, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.The appointment of Santitarn, who also served as the chief economist at e-commerce firm Sea Ltd., is expected to bolster the leadership at the Finance Ministry headed by Ekniti Nitithanprapas, a former civil servant. Santitarn is expected to help steer fiscal policy as the government navigates a fragile economic recovery weighed down by higher energy costs, according to the people.Santitarn, 44, holds a doctorate in public policy analysis and a master’s degree in international development from Harvard University. He also earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the London School of Economics.The monetary policy panel, which decides interest rates by a majority vote, is next due to meet on April 29.

Governor Vitai Ratanakorn, who chairs the panel, said in an interview aired Thursday that he saw no need for drastic monetary policy changes in response to the Middle East conflict that’s set to stoke inflation and weaken growth.The central bank has slashed borrowing costs by a cumulative 150 basis points in an easing cycle that began in late 2024. Last month, the rate panel unexpectedly cut the key rate by 25 basis points to 1%, the lowest level since September 2022.Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4© 2026 Financial Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can manage saved articles in your account.and save up to 100 articles!You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.