Bangkok: The Cabinet has announced the appointment of four key positions within the Ministry of Transport, marking a significant reshuffle aimed at strengthening the leadership of the department. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan has been promoted from inspector to the youngest Director-General of the Department of Highways. Sorapong Paitoonpong will now serve as the Director-General of the Department of Land Transport. Additionally, Panya-Chakri will assume the role of deputy permanent secretary, an announcement confirmed by Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. These appointments are part of a strategic decision made within an appropriate timeframe and are based on the expertise of the individuals in their respective fields.
According to Thai News Agency, during a Cabinet meeting, it was resolved to approve the appointment of senior executives at the Ministry of Transport (Level 10). The appointments are effective from October 1, 2025. The positions include Chakkri Bamrungwong, who transitions from Inspector General to Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Sorapong Paitoonpong, moving from Deputy Permanent Secretary to Director-General of the Department of Land Transport. Panya Chuphanich, formerly the Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, will now serve as Deputy Permanent Secretary. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan, previously Inspector General, will now lead the Department of Highways.
Suriya Juangroongruangkit emphasized that the timing of these executive appointments is in alignment with the Ministry’s three-month strategic planning window, ensuring they are not premature. The selections were made based on a thorough assessment of each candidate’s suitability, highlighting Mr. Jiwattanakulpaisan’s expertise in private sector joint investment initiatives, essential for the Department of Highways’ upcoming projects.
The Ministry of Transport still faces the task of appointing a new director-general for the Department of Rural Roads, as Montree Dechasakulsom is set to retire on September 30. This will involve selecting a suitable candidate from the deputy director-general level. Additionally, the position of director-general at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission will become vacant following Panya Chuphanich’s transfer.
Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan, at 49, is notably the youngest to assume the role of Director-General of the Department of Highways, reflecting the Cabinet’s confidence in his capabilities to lead the department into future endeavors.