The Cabinet has approved appointing two close associates from the Buriram political stronghold: Chayut Lohakit as Director-General of the Department of Highways and Kiattichai Chaiaruangyos as Director-General of the Department of Airports, while transferring Danai to an inspector position, along with approving the selection of a new Port Authority director.
10 Nov 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that at today's Cabinet meeting, the Ministry of Transport would propose for approval the appointment of Mr. Chayut Lohakit, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Highways, to serve as Director-General of the Department of Highways, as recommended by the selection committee.
At the same time, a proposal will be made to transfer Mr. Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports (DOA), to serve as an inspector at the Ministry of Transport, and appoint Mr. Kiattichai Chaiaruangyos, an inspector at the Ministry of Transport, to serve as Director-General of the Department of Airports, and appoint Mr. Jetsada Winsan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads (DRR), to serve as an inspector at the Ministry of Transport.
Additionally, the Cabinet acknowledged the selection results for the new Director of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), appointing Mr. Jirapong Theppitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, to replace the outgoing director who completed their term.
According to reporters, Mr. Chayut Lohakit, the newly appointed Director-General of the Department of Highways, is widely known as a direct associate closely connected to the Buriram political faction, including Mr. Newin Chidchob and former Minister of Transport Mr. Saksayam Chidchob. Beyond his ties to this group, Mr. Chayut also maintains strong relations with Mr. Sophon Saram, Speaker of the House of Representatives. When Mr. Sophon served as Minister of Transport in 2009-2010, Mr. Chayut worked in the Buriram district, forging close links to the Buriram political group since then. Additionally, Mr. Chayut is originally from Songkhla province, the same hometown as Mr. Pipat.
As for Mr. Kiattichai Chaiaruangyos, an inspector at the Ministry of Transport, he previously served as Deputy Director-General of the Department of Airports and was responsible for regional airports throughout Thailand, including overseeing Buriram Airport during the MotoGP event. Recently, he has developed close ties with the Buriram political group and notably is an alumnus of Suankularb Wittayalai School (OSK), sharing this connection with them.
