AIS surprises with new CEO: Pratthana Leelapanang takes over leadership!

AIS surprises with new CEO: Pratthana Leelapanang takes over leadership!

An exciting chapter in the Thai telecommunications landscape is about to begin: On November 3, 2025, Pratthana Leelapanang, to date Deputy CEO and COO of Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), will officially take on the role of new CEO. He succeeds Somchai Lertsutiwong, who is retiring after many years in management but will remain on the board. This change was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by Bangkok Post.

52-year-old Pratthana Leelapanang comes from Bangkok and is a true veteran of AIS. His career began in 1996 in the company's engineering department, and he has since risen to deputy CEO. In his various roles - including Executive Vice President for Marketing and Chief Consumer Business Officer - he has made a decisive contribution to the company's development. His academic credentials are also impressive: with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Kasetsart University and two master's degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, he brings extensive knowledge of this dynamic sector. “Pratthana has a knack for innovative solutions and is seen as strategically important for the future of AIS,” said Thereporter.

A look at the challenges and opportunities

The telecommunications market in Thailand is in flux. With the aim of developing Thailand into a digital infrastructure hub for ASEAN, the industry is facing major changes. According to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the rollout of 5G could make a massive economic contribution by 2035, equivalent to 10 percent of gross domestic product. The Thai government has formulated clear goals with its “Thailand Industry 4.0” program: the digital sector should contribute 25 percent of the national GDP by 2027. These developments offer enormous potential for providers such as AIS, which will operate under the new leadership of Pratthana Leelapanang, to develop innovative services and products that meet the needs of the market, as mentioned by Trade.gov.

“The challenges of the modern telecommunications landscape, particularly the 5G expansion and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), will be crucial for the future direction of the company,” explains Pratthana. A rapidly growing market characterized by increasing private consumption and broader acceptance of digital solutions requires quick and agile action. Especially in view of the merger of True and DTAC, which created the largest telecommunications provider in Thailand, the competitive situation is demanding but also exciting.

Looking into the future

With Pratthana Leelapanang at the helm, AIS is well positioned to meet the challenges of the coming years. The demand for 5G technologies and IoT applications is expected to continue to increase and with it the need to explore new business opportunities. Pratthana not only brings the necessary experience, but also a strong network in the industry to further advance the innovative strength of AIS. The coming months and years promise to be exciting - and we are excited to see how the stories surrounding AIS and Pratthana will develop.