Senior officials 'to be promoted'

Top of the list is deputy permanent secretary Surachai Tharnsitpong, who will become the new permanent secretary. Surachai is known to have a close relationship with Transport Minister Santi Prompat and was a senior to former transport minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal when studying at Chulalongkorn University.

It is known that Santi was nominated to take over the ministry under the guidance of Pongsak, one of the 111 executives of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party who are banned from politics for five years.

"The list of senior officials at C10 and C11 levels in the reshuffle is ready for Santi, before being forwarded for the Cabinet's approval. It could be done by the end of the month," said the source, who asked not to be named.

The source said the reshuffle was significant, as officials close to politicians - particularly to Pongsak - will have power over huge investment projects such as the urban electricrail system, railroad network expansion and the construction of flyovers.

Four senior officials will be retired on September 30: permanent secretary Chaisawat Kittipornpaibul, his deputy Piyaphan Jampasut, Highways Department director-general Nikorn Boonsri and inspector-general Bancherd Apinives.

At the Highways Department, which is usually the ministry's biggest spender, chief engineer Fusak Laohasawat will become the new director-general.

"Fusak is close to Therdsak Setthamanop, former director-general of the department who has good connections with former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Somsak Thepsuthin [formerly industry minister]," the source said.

Chaisak Angkasuwan, director-general of the Civil Aviation Department, will also become a deputy permanent secretary. Taking care of the department would then be down to deputy permanent secretary Chalor Kotcharat. The source said Santi was displeased with Chaisak's performance, particularly the handling of struggling airline One-Two-Go.

Acting Land Transport Department director-general Chairat Sanguansue will become directorgeneral of the department, replacing Silpachai Jarukasemratana, who is under investigation and is expected to be transferred to the post of inspector-general.

Inspector-general Thawanrat OnSira will take over a vacant deputy permanent secretary position, while another deputy could be either Sornsak Sansombat, currently adviser on land transport, or Soithip Trisuddhi, director-general of the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office. As both are close to Santi, if Soithip is promoted, Sornsak could take her position at the office.