The cabinet has given the nod to Areepong Bhoocha-oom becoming the new tourism and sports permanent secretary after he was removed from the Energy Ministry on speculation of conflict with the energy minister.
Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday said Mr Areepong would assume his new position after royal endorsement.
This makes the third time since last year's military coup that Mr Areepong, 58, has been made the top official of a government agency.
Areepong: Praised by Energy colleagues
He was secretary-general of the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), then made energy permanent secretary before being moved back to the former post in May.
Speculation was rife that he had a serious conflict with Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee as well as Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula.
However, his co-workers at the Energy Ministry praised him as the first permanent secretary with a proper working plan, and one that was achieved on schedule too.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam told the cabinet that Mr Areepong had been moved back to the OPDC to await a vacancy in the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
Former tourism and sports permanent secretary Suwat Sidthilaw was transferred to an inactive post by the government in May due to alleged links to graft.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul had personally put forward Mr Areepong's name to the cabinet, saying she had high expectations from his strong financial background.
His extensive experience at Thai Airways International and Krungthai Bank can support ministry policies aimed at helping to increase tourism revenue instead of just looking to boost tourist arrival numbers, she said.
Tourism Council of Thailand president Ittirit Kinglake said the private sector was prepared to cooperate with Mr Areepong to develop the tourism industry.