Bangkok: MCOT unanimously elected Professor Dr. Vilelert Bhurivachra, Rector of Chulalongkorn University, as the new chairman of the board. The Board of Directors of MCOT Public Company Limited, at its 10th meeting of 2026 on May 7, 2026, unanimously elected Professor Dr. Vilelert Pooriwatrach, President of Chulalongkorn University and Chairman of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), as the new Chairman of MCOT. He was immediately instructed to focus on business recovery, revenue enhancement, and transforming Channel 9 MCOT HD into a learning channel for Thai people. The meeting also resolved to appoint Ms. Yada Kasayapanan, an independent director, as Acting President and CEO, replacing Mr. Sommai Suwanwong, who resigned from the position, effective May 8, 2026. Mr. Sommai Suwanwong will continue to serve as Deputy President and CEO, Marketing and Sales, MCOT.
According to Thai News Agency, the committee believes in the vision and expertise in modern AI-driven communication strategies, which will be a key mechanism in leading MCOT through the changing consumer behavior crisis and effectively enhancing its competitiveness against foreign platforms.
Professor Dr. Vilelert Phuriwat is a highly qualified individual who combines expertise in both academia and international business administration. He holds degrees from leading universities such as Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University, a Master’s degree from Yale University, and a Ph.D. from Oxford University. He also has extensive experience working with world-leading organizations such as IBM, PandG, and Hakuhodo. Currently, he holds important international positions, including President of the Association of Southeast Asian Higher Education Institutions (ASAIHL) and President of the Asia-Europe Lifelong Learning Network (ASEM LLL Hub), internationally recognized organizations. He is also the initiator of the establishment of “Chula XL (Extension and Lifelong Learning),” a new college at Chulalongkorn University that integrates knowledge from all disciplines, systematically connecting people of all ages to address societal and labor market changes. With his comprehensive experience in both aca
demia and the real-world telecommunications business, his appointment is seen as a significant turning point for MCOT, elevating the role of the national media to become a “mechanism for creating learning opportunities” and a “true driving force for society.”
“Upon assuming the position, Prof. Dr. Vilelert issued an urgent policy directive to revitalize the business by transforming Channel 9 MCOT HD and all its affiliated media outlets into a ‘Learning Station’ that integrates all platforms to enhance professional skills and knowledge for Thais of all ages and create sustainable economic opportunities for the country.”
Professor Dr. Vilelert Pooriwatra is the second university president to serve as the chairman of MCOT. Professor Surapol Nitikraipoj, former president of Thammasat University, also held the position from 2008 to 2011.