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Former energy minister Piyasvasti Amranand was approached by the government to take the post of president of the Thai Airways International (THAI).

The government decided to approach Piyasvasti, now Chief Advisor of Kasikorn Bank, due to the national airline's financial problems. The source said the government hoped that the former minister would be able to help rescue the company.

Mr Piyasvasti is one of 11 candidates contending for the post.

THAI is currently in urgent need of a recovery plan following a major loss of profits.

Profile : Piyasvasti was Thailand's Energy Minister between Oct 9 2006 and February 6 February, 2008. In the past, he held positions as Secretary General of the Thai National Energy Policy Office, Director General of the Public Relations Department, Chairman of Kasikorn Asset Management, and Chairman of Panel of Advisors for CEO of Kasikorn Bank.

His current position is Advisor to the Energy for Environment Foundation.

During the 1990's, Piyasvasti played a key role in deregulating and privatizing a number of energy-related state enterprises like PTT and power generation business. During his term as Energy Minister he implemented wide ranging reforms in the energy sector.

Piyasvasti was born in 1953, and graduated from Brasenose College, Oxford in 1975 with B.A. (First Class Honours) in Mathematics. He later obtained MSc. (Distinction) in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, and PhD. in Economics from the London School of Economics.