Phornsiri has the highest scores among the three finalists for the top TAT post. The other two are outsiders - Praphan Assawa-aree, former director of NCC management, operators of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, who is ranked second, and Pimon Srivikorn, former Member of Parliament for Bang Kapi district, who is third.

A source close to the Governor Selection Committee said that Phornsiri is the most suitable person to lead TAT because she is an internal candidate and has held various positions within the Authority for decades, particularly in marketing plans.

The candidates were evaluated using five major indicators - education and background (20 per cent), work experience (10 per cent), work performances and expertise (30 per cent), vision and management view suitable for TAT (30 per cent), and English skills (10 per cent).

"Among the three short-listed, Phornsiri is the only one with whom most employees will be happy to work," the source said.

Kriengsak Lohachala, chairman of the selection committee, said yesterday they had finished their procedures and had passed on the short-list to TAT's board members for selection tomorrow.

Kriengsak said TAT board members will hold a meeting with the sole agenda of picking one of the three candidates. The new governor will unveil the 2007 tourism plan, which will run under the theme "Thailand - Unforgettable". Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to hold a media briefing on its performance on Friday.

The TAT governor selection committee revealed that 16 applicants had vied for the top post. The three insiders were Phornsiri Manoharn, deputy governor for domestic markets; Surapol Savetaserani, deputy governor for marketing communications; and Santichai Eauchongprasit, deputy governor for administrative affairs.

Among outsiders making a bid were ML Hathaijanok Kritakara, member of the Thai Hotels Association's executive committee and general manager for corporate affairs at Accor Asia Pacific; and Supong Limthanakul, vice president of Bangkok University.

Other applicants included Pimol Srivikorn, former Member of Parliament for Bang Kapi district; Sorayuth Phromphot, ex-ambassador to Moscow; Pitsanu Kongkhanphai, managing director of the 24 Jan Group and president of the American Travel Association (Thailand Chapter); Chaiyut Tangkamoltham, chief executive director of the Haco Group and Patima Tatikom, owner of an event-organising company; Pisit Prueksanusak; and Kanjanarat Sahasakmontri.

Also applying were Nutcharee Pulkaew, director of sales and marketing for Business Air Centre; Therawut Jitratkosol; MR Dumrongdis Diskul, managing director of Maneeya Realty, Maneeya Concept and MC Shop; and Praphan Assawa-aree, former director of NCC Management.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation