Pichai Chunhavajira (Thai: พิชัย ชุณหวชิร, RTGSPhichai Chunhawit) is a Thai politician who has served as Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Ministry of Finance since 2024.[1][2][3][4] Prior to his political career, he served as the chair of the board of Bangchak Corporation from 2012 and as chairman of the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2024.[5]

Pichai Chunhavajira
พิชัย ชุณหวชิร
Pichai in 2016
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
Assumed office
April 27, 2024
(270 days)
Serving with Phumtham Wechayachai (2024–present)
Suriya Juangroongruangkit (2024–present)
Anutin Charnvirakul (2024–present)
Pachara Wat Wongsuwan (2024)
Pheerathachara Saleeratwipak (2024–present)
Prasert Jantararuangtong (2024–present)
Prime MinisterSettha Thavisin
Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Preceded byPhumtham Wechayachai
Somsak Thepsuthin
Panpriya Phahithanukorn
Anutin Charnvirakul
Pachara Wat Wongsuwan
Pheerathachara Saleeratwipak
Minister of Finance
Assumed office
April 27, 2024
(270 days)
Preceded bySettha Thavisin
Personal details
Born (1949-02-15) 15 February 1949 (age 75)
Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Political partyPheu Thai (2024–present)
SpouseSuthasinee Chunhavajira
Alma materThammasat University (AB)
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (MBA)
OccupationBusinessperson
Politician
Signature

Early life and education

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Pichai Chunhavajira, commonly known by his nickname "Bank," earned a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and Accounting from Thammasat University. He later pursued a Master's degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, USA.

Career

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Early career

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From 2001 to 2013, Pichai Chunhavajira served as a director at PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited.[6]

From 2012 until April 25, 2024, he held the position of Chairman of the Board at Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited.

Between 2014 and 2017, Pichai was a director at the Bank of Thailand.

From February 5 to April 25, 2024, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Political career

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Prime Minister's Advisor

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On September 15, 2023, Prime Minister Settha Thavisin signed a decree appointing Pichai Chunhavajira as the Prime Minister's Advisor.[7]

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

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Later, on April 27, 2024, His Majesty the King graciously appointed Pichai as Deputy Prime Minister, replacing Panpree Phahitthanukorn, who was appointed solely as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Pichai also assumed the position of Minister of Finance, replacing Settha Thavisin, who became Prime Minister.[8]

Honors

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References

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  1. ^ "Thailand Picks Capital Markets Veteran Pichai as Finance Chief". Bloomberg.com. 2024-04-28. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  2. ^ "Pichai attributes 2.84% Thai stock market surge to political stability and other factors". nationthailand. 2024-09-05. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  3. ^ "Ex-energy executive Pichai named finance minister amid growth challenge". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  4. ^ "Pichai makes peace with BOT, vows to work together in harmony". nationthailand. 2024-05-16. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  5. ^ "SET board names PM's adviser as new chairman". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  6. ^ T, GIFT (2024-04-28). "Biography of Pichai Chunhavajira, the new Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance". Thaiger News (in Thai).
  7. ^ Introduction of 9 Advisors for "Prime Minister Settha" focusing on specialists and experts
  8. ^ "Royal Decree Appoints "Settha 1/1" Cabinet". BBC Thai. April 28, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ Royal Gazette, Announcement from the Prime Minister's Office on the Bestowal of the White Elephant and the Thai Crown Orders, Volume 122, Issue 21C, Page 89, December 3, 2005
  10. ^ Royal Gazette, Announcement from the Prime Minister's Office on the Bestowal of Decorations, Volume 113, Issue 25C, Page 99, December 25, 1996
Preceded by Deputy Prime Minister
(Cabinet 63)

April 27, 2024 – Present
Succeeded by
Current Term
Preceded by Minister of Finance
(Cabinet 63)

April 27, 2024 – Present
Succeeded by
Current Term