During his meetings with top executives of the group over the last two weeks, Boonklee made it clear that he would still stay in the Shin empire to ensure a smooth transition.

Last week Shin's board officially announced the appointment of Somprasong Boonyachai to replace Boonklee at his executive-chairman post in line with the management-succession plan. The appointment will be effective on July 1. Boonklee will still serve as a board director after that.

Boonklee told his staff that he would work as a full-time board director, which means he would not only attend board meetings but also move around the office to give advice to staff and top executives.

He will also attend staff meetings to share ideas and his 14 years of experience in the telecom arena with them.

"If you've any problems, you can come to ask for my advice," he told a meeting.

Boonklee mentioned three years ago that all Shin's top executives must have their successors and that he did not want to be executive chairman for the rest of his life.

A source close to Shin said it was good that Boonklee was not leaving Shin after the management change because his departure would have damaged the staff's morale.

It is reported that Boonklee has promised Shin's major shareholders that he will stay with the company for another two years after their entry into Shin.

A group led by Singapore's state investment arm Temasek Holdings took over Shin in January last year.