Pichai Chunhavajira

Pichai Chunhavajira
Born	1949 Thailand
Occupation(s)	Government official, politician
Years active	2001–present
Known for	Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Minister of Finance, Chairman of Bangchak Corporation, Chairman of the Stock Exchange of Thailand

Pichai Chunhavajira (, ) is a Thai government official currently holding the positions of Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Minister of Finance as of 2024. Before entering the political arena, he led the board of Bangchak Corporation starting in 2012 and took on the role of chairman at the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2024.

Early life and education

Known by the nickname "Bank," Pichai Chunhavajira completed his undergraduate studies in Commerce and Accounting at Thammasat University. He further advanced his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the United States.

Early career

Between 2001 and 2013, Pichai held a directorship at PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited. He was the chairman of the board at Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited from 2012 until April 25, 2024. Additionally, from 2014 to 2017, he served as a board member for the Bank of Thailand. His tenure as Chairman of the Board at the Stock Exchange of Thailand spanned from February 5 to April 25, 2024.

Advisor to the Prime Minister

On September 15, 2023, Pichai was appointed by Prime Minister Settha Thavisin to serve as an advisor to the Prime Minister.

Roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister

Pichai assumed the offices of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on April 27, 2024. He succeeded Panpree Phahitthanukorn as Deputy Prime Minister and took over the finance portfolio from Settha Thavisin, who became Prime Minister.

Honors

Within Thailand's system of royal decorations, Pichai has been awarded:

• Knight Grand Cross of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand in 2005
• Companion of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant in 1996