A source with the board of directors said after yesterday's meeting that Chotisak's score of 62 points was judged to have passed the performance requirement.

Somchai Wongswadi, former labour permanent secretary, was chairman of the assessment committee.

Chotisak's term as AOT president passed six months in October.

However, ACM Chalit Phukphasuk, commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and acting director of AOT, said yesterday Chotisak's performance assessment was an initial conclusion.

"The committee will have a final report to be proposed to AOT's newly appointed board of directors for consideration again," he said, adding that Chotisak remained responsible for the president's position, as usual.

Chalit said the new board would consider whether Chotisak should continue as president until the end of his four-year contract.

He said he also suggested at the meeting that the performance assessment for future AOT executives comply with the same standards as at other listed companies.

"Although Chotisak has passed his probation assessment for six months, he will have to prove his performance to the new board onwards," said Chalit, adding that he also suggested at the meeting approaching the Finance Ministry to help AOT set up new standards of performance assessment for the company's executives.

Before joining AOT on April 3, Chotisak had served at Siam City Bank and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Bank of Thailand.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation