Permanent secretary of Tourism Ministry resigns
Pongpanu Svetarundra has resigned as the permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry to work for a private firm.
Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat confirmed on Saturday that Pongpanu's resignation will take effect on December 9.
The minister said he and Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak initially declined to approve the resignation and asked Pongpanu to reconsider as he still has over 10 months left before he reaches mandatory retirement age next year.
Two days later, Pongpanu reaffirmed his decision and Weerasak said his resignation was approved.
Weerasak quoted Pongpanu as saying that he has been invited by the owner of a business group with strong business results that will enter the stock market next year.
The group has several hotels around the country and has real estate development businesses.
Weerasak said Pongpanu has accepted an invitation to become chairman of the board of directors of a corporation with global businesses.