Top-level changes at Thai AirAsia

CEO Tassapon Bijleveld will take on the role of executive chairman to supervise the company's executive board, while venteran executive and founding member Santisuk Klongchaiya, current director of commercial, has taken over as chief executive officer of Thai AirAsia, effective yesterday.
Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation Plc (AAV) and Thai AirAsia Co Ltd (TAA), said the changes to the leadership positions will improve business flexibility within the carrier. In his new role, Tassapon will be in charge of executive policy in the interest of sustainable growth. The company's executive board and management directors have given their full support to the development, voicing confidence in promoting Santisuk Klongchaiya, who has been instrumental in the airline's growth from its inception, to the role of CEO. 
“ I am still a part of AirAsia. My focus will now be on the overall executive picture and the company's direction in seeking out new opportunities for sustainable growth. I will also focus on enacting government policies and collaborating with private sectors to ensure Thailand establishes a leading position in the aviation industry. I am pleased to have Santisuk as the new CEO because he has been the key executive at TAA from the start. His visionary leadership, coupled with his marketing acumen, have been behind the success of TAA for the past 10 years. I am certain that TAA will continue to move forward stronger than ever," Tassapon said.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, promoted to chief executive officer of both AAV and TAA, said that the past 11 years have been a time of pride and joy for him as he was able to watch the TAA family grow to its full potential, continually learning from mistakes and never ceasing to develop. The new challenge as CEO will bring about stable and sustainable progress for the company as he affirms his commitment to working closely with Allstars in steering TAA and AAV forward.
“TAA's strong foundation is built on the capability of its staff and its robust internal culture, which will continue to power its growth. We will never stop developing and we have a clear plan for progress. We are ready to adopt innovations and to bring new opportunities and experiences to our guests,” Santisuk added.