On April 25, 2025, the search for a new governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) will reach a critical point as the selection committee convenes to hear the visions of four candidates. Among them, Mr. Kaj Phachayot Udomtharathammaphakdi, currently the Deputy Governor for Strategy and Planning at the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), is considered the frontrunner for the position.
The selection committee, led by Mr. Panyaya Chuphanich, the Director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), will oversee the presentations of each candidate, which will be organized based on the order of their application submissions. This approach aims to ensure transparency in the selection process.
The four candidates vying for the role include:
- Mr. Suthep Phanthupheng, the Chief Executive Officer of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), who manages the Red Line suburban train service.
- Mr. Kaj Phachayot Udomtharathammaphakdi, the Deputy Governor of EXAT.
- Mr. Kittikorn Tancharoen, the Deputy Governor for Engineering and Construction at MRTA.
- Mr. Witthaya Phanthumongkol, the Acting Deputy Governor for Operations at MRTA.
Each candidate will present their views, policies, and strategies for advancing the organization. Following these presentations, the committee will evaluate their performances and rank them based on their qualifications and suitability for the role of MRTA governor.
According to reports from the Ministry of Transport, the committee plans to conclude the evaluations and announce the results on the same day, April 25, around 2 PM. Once the board of MRTA approves the new governor, the next step will involve submitting the recommendation to the Ministry of Transport for official endorsement.
After the board's approval, a new committee will be appointed to negotiate the compensation package and finalize the employment contract. This negotiation process is expected to take approximately one to two weeks before the results are presented to the Ministry of Transport for final approval. Subsequently, the Minister of Transport will submit the name of the new governor to the Cabinet (KRM) for formal approval.
Sources indicate that Mr. Kaj Phachayot is the leading candidate for the position, bolstered by support from major private sector stakeholders in Thailand's electric rail industry. His extensive experience with MRTA, where he previously served as the Director of Electric Rail Project Development and later as Assistant Governor, positions him as a strong contender for this critical role.
Mr. Kaj Phachayot's journey within the MRTA has equipped him with valuable insights and expertise essential for the future of the organization. His tenure at MRTA has seen him involved in various significant projects, contributing to the development of Thailand's electric rail infrastructure.
As the selection process unfolds, industry observers are keenly watching the developments, especially given the importance of the MRTA's role in enhancing public transportation in Thailand. The new governor will face numerous challenges, including improving service efficiency, expanding the rail network, and addressing ongoing operational issues.
With the growing urban population and increasing demand for efficient public transport solutions, the new leadership at MRTA will be pivotal in shaping the future of transportation in Thailand. As the April 25 meeting approaches, anticipation builds around who will ultimately be chosen to lead this vital agency.
In conclusion, the upcoming selection of the new MRTA governor marks a significant moment for Thailand's public transportation landscape. With Mr. Kaj Phachayot emerging as a leading candidate, stakeholders await the committee's decision and the subsequent steps that will unfold in the coming weeks.
