Deputy Permanent Secretary Chanatpong Sriwiset has been promoted and took over the role of mayor after Itthiphol Kunplome’s term expired June 17.
Chanatpong, 55, was selected by the Interior Ministry to lead the city in absence of any new elections for mayor and city council. Under military rule, no elections of any kind are allowed.
The career bureaucrat most recently served as deputy to Permanent Secretary Wuthipol Charoenpol and previously was the head of Pak Chong District in Nakhon Ratchasima, among other ministry appointments. He will earn 77,930 baht per month in his new job.
Chanatpong met with staffers and outgoing officials June 14, saying he has been working closely with various agencies and organizations to prepare for his new job. He said he also has spoken with Itthiphol, seeking his advice on how to complete ongoing projects.
He said a meeting will be held later to select 12 new council members to replace the city council.
After being formally installed, Chanatpong paid a visit to the King Taksin Monument to make his pledge to support the city. Those in attendance congratulated him with flowers.
