Somkid Jatusripitak: From economic wizard to Thailand’s next PM?

[webfact]

 

The economic czar for several previous administrations, Somkid Jatusripitak is back in the spotlight and bidding to take the helm of the next government.

 

The renowned economist recently announced his readiness to be a prime ministerial candidate for the Sarng Anakot Thai Party at the next general election, tentatively scheduled for May 7.

 

Somkid, 69, is now chairman of the new political party, whose name translates as “Building Thailand’s Future”.

 

Sarng Anakot Thai was founded by Somkid’s trusted aides, the technocrat duo of Uttama Savanayana and Sontirat Sontijirawong, the party’s leader and secretary-general respectively.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/somkid-jatusripitak-from-economic-wizard-to-thailands-next-pm/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-28

 

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[ourmanflint]

He sounds overqualified.

[billd766]

Yet another party hopping dinosaur at 69 years old, wanting to be the next PM with his minnow party.

[Sparktrader]

1 90 days no visa

2 double bkk taxi prices

[hotchilli]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Somkid, 69, is now chairman of the new political party, whose name translates as “Building Thailand’s Future”.

Thailands future in the hands of someone who's already past retirement age...

Any young blood out there?

[Maha Sarakham]

14 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Any young blood out there?

Too dangerous.

[Dogmatix]

Somkid was never an economic wizard and did a lacklustre job as the junta's deputy PM for economic affairs in charge of all economic ministries. 

 

Better for everyone if he just plays with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and gets his cataracts done or whatever.

[JimGant]

20 hours ago, Dogmatix said:

Somkid was never an economic wizard and did a lacklustre job as the junta's deputy PM for economic affairs in charge of all economic ministries. 

I doubt anyone could have done a better job, given the circumstances, primarily Covid.  Easy to say someone could have done a better job -- but talk is cheap.

 

Somkid's resume is fascinating. He was a co-founder, with Thaksin, of TRT -- then used his economic position and smarts to reverse the debacle of the 1998 economic collapse. Then he became part of the junta -- obviously hired for his knowledge and capabilities, and not political affiliation. And this guy is no slouch, having a PhD from the Kellogg School of Management from Northwestern University, Chicago -- a five star pedigree.

 

No, I think someone of his capabilities, including the capability to have fans from the many aspects of Thai politics -- would be a win win for the next Thai government (and nice that he's not a soldier). And having someone with the wisdom of 69 years (which, by the way, ain't old, says this 77 oldster) gives me more confidence than I would have in an idealistic youngster.