MCOT Board Unanimously Votes Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul as New Board Chairman
Chulalongkorn University rector Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul was unanimously appointed chairman of Thailand's public broadcaster MCOT on May 7, bringing AI-driven communication expertise to transform the network into a "Learning Station"
The board of directors of MCOT Public Company Limited unanimously appointed Prof. Dr. Veerasak Purivirojkul, rector of Chulalongkorn University and chairman of the Association of University Administrators of Thailand (AUAT), as the new chairman of MCOT on May 7, 2025.
The board expressed confidence in his broad vision and expertise in modern AI-driven communication strategy, which will serve as a critical mechanism to help MCOT navigate changing consumer behavior and compete effectively with foreign platforms.
Prof. Dr. Veerasak is a distinguished scholar combining academic expertise with international-level business management experience. He holds degrees from leading Thai universities Chulalongkorn and Thammasat, a master's degree from Yale University, and a doctorate from Oxford University. He has worked with global organizations including IBM, P&G, and Hakuhodo.
Currently, he serves as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) and chairman of the ASEM LLL Hub, both internationally recognized organizations. He also pioneered the establishment of Chula XL (Extension and Lifelong Learning), a new college integrating knowledge across all disciplines and systematically connecting with people of all ages to support social and labor market changes.
With his comprehensive experience spanning both academia and media business, his appointment is seen as a crucial turning point for MCOT's adaptation to a new era, elevating the national broadcaster's role to serve as "a mechanism for creating learning opportunities" and "a true driving force for society."
Upon taking office, Prof. Dr. Veerasak announced an urgent policy to revitalize the business by transforming Channel 9, MCOT HD, and all affiliated media into a "Learning Station" that integrates all platforms to develop professional skills and knowledge for Thais of all ages, while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the nation.
Prof. Dr. Veerasak is the second university rector to serve as MCOT board chairman. The first was Prof. Surapol Nitikraipetch, former rector of Thammasat University, who served in the position from 2008 to 2011.
