| ACM Sukampon Suwannatat, a friend of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is said to take the transport portfolio earlier tipped for another marshal. ACM Sukampon recently resigned as inspector general of the Defense Ministry to get himself readied for the post of first minister of transport while two elected politicians are believed to be named deputy transport ministers.
Viewed as a 'dark horse' included in the line-up of a fresh cabinet under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the marshal is a former classmate of Mr Thaksin's Pre-cadet Class 10. One other classmate of theirs is ACM Sumet Bhomanee, who ranked near rock bottom on a Puea Thai Party list of candidates contesting last month's election and earlier speculated to take the transport seat.
A 60-year-old Sukampon was assistant air force chief during 2006's coup which ousted Mr Thaksin from power. The marshal was then transferred to an inactive post and would have retired at the end of next month, had he remained in the armed service today.
Given his years in the air force, ACM Sukampon is expected to oversee the Transport Ministry's affairs related to aircraft and aviation industry while the both of his deputies are bound to supervise those involving land and sea. Produced by VoiceTV |
