Transport Minister Denies Quota in Deputy Secretary Appointment
Transport Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn defended the appointment of the highways department chief as permanent secretary, insisting the decision was merit-based rather than a political quota and that ministry projects will continue witho
On August 11, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn and Minister of Transport addressed the appointment of Piyapong Jiwatkulpaisal, director-general of the Department of Highways, to the position of permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry. Phipat stated that ministry projects will continue uninterrupted since Piyapong already holds his current position and can smoothly transition into the new role.
Phipat emphasized that the appointment was based on merit and a recommendation from the current permanent secretary, Chayathorn Phromsor, not political quotas. He noted that Piyapong has advanced through the ranks on his own abilities and performed well under previous transport ministers. When asked about the vacant director-general position, Phipat said the ministry will conduct a competitive selection process with public announcement and examination, expecting 14 to 18 applicants screened down to three finalists.
Phipat highlighted Piyapong's suitability for the permanent secretary role, describing him as knowledgeable and experienced. He explained that since the Department of Highways manages the ministry's largest construction budget, appointing someone from that background provides a comprehensive view of all transport operations—railways, air, and maritime—which require integrated management. Phipat added that the ministry is already accelerating all projects, with ongoing development supported by committed budgets and annual allocations.
