Ampon Kittiampon appointed Chairman of the Bank of Thailand

He replaces Virabongsa Ramangkura, who has retired.

Once endorsed, Ampon, 58, will serve the remainder of Virabongsa's term lasting until May 2015.

He is now a member of the MPC, the chairman of Thai Airways International Plc and an independent director of PTT Exploration and Production Plc.

Ampon earned a doctorate in economics from Clemson University in South Carolina and was a former secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board.

As Bank of Thailand Chairman, he will oversee general administrative matters of the central bank including guidelines for the appointment of members to the three primary committees overseeing monetary policy, financial institutions and payment systems.

The chairman is also responsible for approving guidelines for the Bank of Thailand's foreign reserve management.