Wanchai, who is also secretary-general of the Transport Ministry, said the move to Suvarnabhumi International Airport would bring about higher costs, resulting in lower profits.

Test flights at the new airport are scheduled for July 29, and services are scheduled to start on September 28, although that's not certain. Before the new international airport opens for commercial services, THAI will have to transfer all of its employees and more than two million pieces of equipment from its old base near Don Muang Airport on the other side of town.

Kobchai Srivilas and Vasing Kittikul are two executives among the eight high-ranking officials that were reshuffled based on a decision by THAI's board of directors at their July 5 meeting.

Kobchai Srivilas, senior executive vice president for corporate planning and information-technology services, was appointed adviser for special projects, while keeping his senior executive vice president title.

Vasing Kittikul, executive vice president of commercial operations, was promoted to senior executive vice president and commercial advisor for special projects.

Wanchai said Kobchai would remain responsible for the company's move to Suvarnabhumi.

Although Kobchai was set to retire on September 30, the

board voted to keep him for one more year to oversee the back-office operations after the airline has moved.

Wanchai said Vasing would take on the new job of coordinating with international airlines.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation