Pracha will raise the issue with the board at a meeting arranged specifically to discuss the governor's position. Only three months remain to select a new governor.

A TAT source said the minister had many choices for the top post at the agency. However, Juthamas is the most likely candidate.

Juthamas will complete her posting at the end of end September, at the age of 59 years and five months. Pracha wants her to stay on for another seven months before she retires at 60.

"The ministry should determine the matter of the new governor today," the source said. Pracha said last week that he would try to find a way to extend Juthamas's term. However, this is against the Private Enterprise Act, which stipulates a state agency governor cannot be reappointed.

Prasert Voraphitak, president of TAT's employee union, said most staff were in support of Juthamas staying for the extra period. He said she had performed well, particularly in tourism development and rebuilding from recent crises.

"We don't want to see a lack of leadership, so we want her to stay for seven months in order to continue some big jobs," said Prasert.

He accepted, however, that the extension of Juthamas's term depended on the majority decision of the board.

Juthamas yesterday said she would follow whatever decision the board takes. If she does not get an extension, she will not reapply for the governorship. Juthamas said the agency targeted 14 million international arrivals this year, or a 25-per-cent increase from 2005. To meet the target, the agency needs an additional budget of Bt900 million for marketing and other activities in the second half.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation