Infrastructure top priority for new minister
New Transport Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan will give top priority to restoring transportation infrastructure hit by last year's floods and will strengthen competitiveness of the country's logistics system to prepare for the Asean Economic Community (AEC)
Speaking after taking office yesterday, he said he would enhance the capacity of the transport public service such as tollways.
Regarding the case against suspended permanent secretary Suphoth Sublom of being unusually rich, he said he was awaiting results of the investigation. He added that he has yet to appoint a committee to select a new permanent secretary to replace Suphoth.
Charupong said he would ensure transparency at the ministry in the promotion of officials to prevent criticism. The new deputy minister, Chatchart Sittipan, said that the strength of the country’s logistics system is its road infrastructure. As a next step, he would focus on strengthening the railway track system and the capacity of the water transportation system. He added that Suvarnabhumi Airport has the potential to be developed into a regional aviation hub.
Chatchart said he used to work with the ministry as a team member of Santi Prompat, the former transport minister. He is waiting for Charupong to assign work to him. He added that he has the ability to manage the land and aviation transportation systems.
