Politics AOT Chief Executive Kirati Resigns Amid Procurement Controversy

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Mr. Kirati Kitmanawat will officially step down as President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) on 24 April, according to a senior source from the Ministry of Transport. His resignation, which has now been confirmed, has sparked speculation about who will take over in an acting capacity.

 

The AOT Board of Directors, chaired by Mr. Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Highways, is scheduled to meet on 23 April to formally acknowledge Mr. Kirati’s resignation and to discuss the appointment of an acting president.

 

Among the frontrunners is Mr. Vim Rungwatanachinda, a current AOT board member and close ally of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Mr. Vim joined the AOT board on 26 February 2025 and also serves on the boards of the State Railway of Thailand and PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (PTTGC).

 

Other potential candidates include current AOT Deputy Presidents: Mr. Sirote Duangrat (Business Development and Marketing), Mr. Anek Theerawiwatchai (Strategy), and Ms. Chadnisa Chamnarnwetch (Human Resources and Administration), as well as senior executives from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports.

 

According to the Airports of Thailand Act B.E. 2522 (1979), Section 26 grants the board authority to appoint an acting president when the position becomes vacant or the incumbent is unable to perform their duties.

 

Mr. Kirati was appointed AOT President on 24 April 2023 on a four-year contract, selected during the tenure of the previous government. Despite reports of effective collaboration with then Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration, particularly in efforts to restore Suvarnabhumi Airport to the world’s top 20 within five years, his tenure ends amid growing scrutiny.

 

Suvarnabhumi recently climbed to 39th place in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025, up from 58th in 2024, reflecting progress under Mr. Kirati’s leadership.

 

However, speculation suggests that his resignation may be linked to allegations submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning irregularities in procurement processes. This includes the controversial cancellation of a wastewater treatment maintenance tender at Phuket Airport and accusations of favouritism in consultancy contracts. There have also been suggestions of lingering ties to the previous political regime.

 

Further clarity is expected following the AOT board meeting on 23 April.

 

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon.

 

-- 2025-04-23

 

[ChrisY1]

"concerning irregularities in procurement processes."

A common practice here....over costing tenders...patronage contracts...funds allocation.....they just can't resist as it's so easy!

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, ChrisY1 said:

"concerning irregularities in procurement processes."

A common practice here....over costing tenders...patronage contracts...funds allocation.....they just can't resist as it's so easy!

 

As someone said to me a long time ago - corruption is so rife, we are stupid not to do it. Everyone else is.