Chayathan Promsorn, deputy director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), is likely to be named as chief of the new Rail Department, a source at the Transport Ministry said.
Chayathan: Backed by Transport Dept
The cabinet is expected to approve the appointment of the director-general of the newly-established agency tasked with overseeing the development of 6,000-kilometre of rail network when it meets tomorrow.
Mr Chayathan has been nominated by the ministry as a candidate for the seat. The department was established on April 15, after the details were published in the Royal Gazette.
However, the source said OTP director Sarawut Songsivilai could spring a surprise and emerge as a rival candidate.
"Mr Chayathan is a more likely choice, as he has vast knowledge about the rail transport system. But Mr Sarawut could be a dark horse," the source said.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, and permanent secretary for transport Chaiwat Thongkamkoon, last week called a meeting with Mr Sarawut and asked that the OTP provide support to the new agency during the transition.
Over the next 10 years, the Rail Department will oversee the government's ambitious plan to develop the nation's rail network. It will function as both a policymaker and regulator for the rail network and supervise the safety and quality of services.