Athapol picked to lead DNP

Athapol picked to lead DNP

Athapol Charoenshunsa
Athapol Charoenshunsa

Athapol Charoenshunsa, director-general of Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), has been appointed acting director-general of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), replacing Rutchada Suriyakul na Ayutthaya who was accused of corruption.

A source said Mr Athapol's appointment papers were signed on Wednesday by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, and took immediate effect.

For the time being, Apichai Ekvanakun, deputy director-general of DMCR, will temporarily serve as chief of the department.

Mr Athapol was the top candidate for the role due to his past performance as the director of Forest Protection and Fire Control Office.

Mr Athapol played a key role in tackling forest encroachment, particularly in Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima's Wang Nam Khiao district and Sirinat National Park in Phuket, as well as illegal logging in forest reserves across the Northeast.

He was promoted as director-general of Royal Forest Department, before taking over as director-general of Pollution Control Department and the DMCR, respectively.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the disciplinary probe into the allegations against Mr Rutchada would finish by Feb 4.


Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (3)

TAT touts wellness industry strengths

Thailand has competitive advantages to strengthen wellness and medical tourism, both in terms of certified facilities and lower prices, than international players, according to The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

21:31

MFP urges anti-graft body to probe court officials

Move Forward Party (MFP) spokesman Rangsiman Rome is asking the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate three senior officials in the Criminal Court in connection with the revocation of an arrest warrant against Senator Upakit Pachariyangkul.

20:57

Somsak and Suriya officially join Pheu Thai

Somsak Thepsutin and Suriya Juangroongruangkit have officially joined the Pheu Thai Party, defecting from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) in which they were known as key figures in the Sam Mitr faction.

20:49