Three deputy city clerks were also appointed - Praphone Wongwichien, currently a C-9 inspector-general; Wanwilai Phromlakkhanon, head of the Finance Department; and Dr Manote Leethochawalit, head of the Medical Services Department.

The four, after approval from the Interior Ministry, will take over on October 1 from those retiring on September 30.

Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said the transfers of C-8 and C-9 officials would follow the Cabinet's endorsement of the four top officials.

Pongsak, now a deputy city clerk, is a native of Sukhothai. He graduated from Chiang Mai University and earned his masters degree from Thammasat University and his PhD from Chulalongkorn University. He is due to retire in five years.