Newly appointed Natural Resources and Environment Minister Kasem Sanitwong Na Ayudhaya is a prominent conservationist and a pioneer who drew up a natural and environment conservation plan for the country.
Kasem, 68, holds a bachelor's degree in Science from London University and a master's in Economics from Williams College in the US.
He started his career at the National Economic and Social Development Board and later became secretary-general of the National Environment Board, deputy permanent secretary of the former Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy.
He was also director-general of the Department of Science Service and permanent secretary of Science and Environment Ministry. He resigned from the latter post in 1998, one year before he was due to retire.