The SRT board has approved Anan Phonnimdaeng to become the 21st governor of the State Railway of Thailand. The next step is to negotiate his compensation before submitting it to the Ministry of Finance for consideration and then proposing it to the new Cabinet for endorsement to continue the high-speed rail project, resolve issues with the three-airport rail link, and enhance rail transport services.
According to reports from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board meeting on 25 December, the board reviewed the agenda for recruiting a new governor following the announcement signed by Ms. Suksiri Apinyanuwat, SRT board member and chairperson of the governor recruitment committee. The recruitment was open from 21 November to 8 December.
The recruitment process yielded two applicants: Anan Phonnimdaeng, deputy governor of the State Railway of Thailand, and an external candidate. The selection committee conducted thorough evaluations, including presentations on their vision and plans for future organizational management.
A source said that from evaluating the candidates’ vision and overall qualifications, Anan Phonnimdaeng received the highest score. Consequently, the SRT board approved recommending Anan as the 21st governor of the State Railway of Thailand. The next steps involve negotiating compensation and employment terms, expected to be reviewed again by the SRT board early next year before submission to the State Enterprise Policy Office and the Ministry of Finance for approval. Afterwards, the proposal will go through the Ministry of Transport to be presented to the Cabinet for final consideration and official contract signing.
The new governor faces significant challenges, particularly overseeing and driving forward the country’s strategic rail system projects. These include the Thailand-China high-speed rail project between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, pushing phase 2 extensions according to plan, and expediting the resolution of obstacles in the high-speed rail project connecting the three airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao, a key initiative within the Eastern Economic Corridor development area.
Additionally, the new governor must prioritize raising rail safety standards, including train operations and passenger security. He will also focus on modernizing trains, stations, and facilities to be more convenient and better meet public needs, aiming to enhance the State Railway of Thailand’s image and operational efficiency in the long term.
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