Bangkok: Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has clarified the appointment of Mr. Chantanont Wannakhechorn as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy. The decision, as explained by Anutin, was primarily influenced by Mr. Wannakhechorn's deep understanding of bioenergy and its associated policies.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wannakhechorn's background as a senior advisor to the Prime Minister and his previous experience as the Secretary-General of the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE) played a crucial role in his selection. His expertise aligns with the government's strategy to enhance the production and use of bioenergy, aiming to minimize reliance on oil and fossil fuel imports. This policy is not only expected to alleviate the trade deficit but also to enhance farmers' income by transforming agricultural crops such as cassava, sugarcane, and palm oil into energy crops. The increased demand for these crops is anticipated to drive their prices upward, a development that is particularly relevant in light of the recent oil crisis where biodiesel was employed to curb oil imports.
The aviation industry's shift towards biojet fuels is projected to further escalate the demand for energy crops. The government is committed to advancing bioenergy and clean energy initiatives. Appointing a Permanent Secretary with profound knowledge of energy crops and agricultural production systems is considered a strategic move for Thailand. This appointment is expected to reduce oil imports, lower national expenditures, stimulate the demand for energy crops and agricultural products, and ultimately boost farmers' income.