Jakarta, 16 June 2026: Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has appointed Dr Kirida Bhaopichitr as Thailand’s representative on the Governing Board of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). Her appointment is expected to further strengthen co-operation between Thailand and ERIA in promoting regional economic integration, sustainable development, and evidence-based policymaking across ASEAN and East Asia.

Dr Kirida currently serves as Vice Minister for Commerce of Thailand. She is a distinguished economist with more than 16 years of experience at the World Bank, where she served as Senior Economist and Country Economist for Thailand, focusing on a wide range of economic and development issues. Prior to joining the Ministry of Commerce, she served as Research Director for International Economics and Development Policy and Director of the TDRI Economic Intelligence Service at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

Throughout her career, Dr Kirida has been actively engaged in policy research and dialogue on regional economic integration, trade, demographic change, human capital development, and economic resilience. Her expertise has supported engagement with governments, international organisations, academia, and the private sector across Southeast Asia.

Dr Kirida holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics from Cornell University. Her extensive experience in international development and public policy is expected to contribute significantly to ERIA’s strategic research agenda and policy dialogue, supporting the region’s long-term growth, resilience, and prosperity.

The Governing Board is ERIA’s highest decision-making body and comprises the Secretary-General of ASEAN and representatives from ERIA’s 16 Member Countries.

Photo Credit: Mo C Thailand