AOT's Chana 'may step down if compensated'

The amount of the termination payment is dependent on Chana passing his performance evaluation. If he does resign, the board is not expected to try and persuade him to stay on, the source added.

"Deputy Finance Ministry permanent secretary Uthit Thammavathin is to present Chana's evaluation results to the board tomorrow," the source said. The evaluation is based on Chana's performance as well as his leadership and dedication to the job.

Under the employment contract signed between Chana and the previous board, chaired by General Saprang Kalayanamitr, if Chana passes his evaluation but submits his resignation or is unable to continue to work, AOT is obliged to pay compensation of between six and 10 times his annual salary.

Chana earlier told the media that throughout his eight months at AOT, he had won cooperation from all parties and had demonstrable achievements. He was confident that AOT's net profit would be above that recorded last year, as it had resumed receiving revenue from the King Power Group.

He declined to comment on whether his disenchantment with AOT was due to political interference.

Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri said recently that Chana's evaluation was entirely a matter for the AOT board, under the framework and principles laid down by the Finance Ministry. He said he had no part in the decision.

Noting that Chana has tried to fix problems at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which could take time, he said he personally believed Chana would pass his evaluation. However, he denied any knowledge of Chana's resignation.

Transport Minister Santi Prompat also said he had no knowledge of Chana's wish to resign. He said he understood that Chana may as a former state official find it uncomfortable working under political pressure and prefer to return to his old workplace.

He also saidthat if Chana does submit his resignation, AOT might not have to pay compensation unless the decision is due to sickness. He said Chana had earlier informed him of stomach problems, which may require an operation.  The possibility of Chana's resignation has been in the news for some time. The former Royal Thai Air Force officer has reportedly had differences with politicians.

The source said the AOT board had had discussions on Chana's future, agreeing that he should undergo a performance evaluation. However, if the board were dissatisfied with the results he would have to resign.

Moreover, Chana was the choice of the previous board, with support from ACM Chalit Pukpasuk, former chairman of the Council for National Security.