Advanced Info Service PLC (AIS), Thailand’s leading telecommunications provider, has announced a major leadership transition, appointing Mr. Pratthana Leelapanang, a 28-year company veteran, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment, effective November 3, 2025, follows the retirement of incumbent CEO Mr. Somchai Lertsutiwong.
BANGKOK, Thailand – In a formal disclosure to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Advanced Info Service PLC (AIS) has confirmed a significant change in its executive leadership. The company’s Board of Directors has resolved to appoint Mr. Pratthana Leelapanang, the current Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Operations, to the position of Chief Executive Officer.
The transition marks the conclusion of Mr. Somchai Lertsutiwong’s tenure as CEO, who is retiring from the executive role. However, AIS confirmed that Mr. Somchai will retain his position as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, ensuring his expertise and strategic oversight remain accessible to the firm.
The official announcement (Reference No. AIS-CP 029/2568), signed by Board Chairman Mr. Kan Trakulhoon, underscores that the decision was made in accordance with a proposal from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. This move is seen by market analysts as a strong signal of stability and strategic continuity, placing a deeply experienced “homegrown” executive at the company’s apex.
Mr. Pratthana’s appointment is effective Friday, November 3, 2025.
A Profile in Depth: The 28-Year Journey of Pratthana Leelapanang
Mr. Pratthana Leelapanang’s ascension to CEO is the culmination of a nearly three-decade career within AIS, building a comprehensive portfolio of experience that spans the company’s technological foundations and its modern commercial frontiers. His career path provides a unique insight into the evolution of the telecom industry itself.
From Core Engineering to Commercial Leadership
Mr. Pratthana began his journey with AIS in 1996, joining the engineering division. For six years (1996–2002), he was instrumental in planning foundational infrastructure, including the company’s GSM and NMT networks, as well as its Value Added Network Infrastructure. This technical grounding provided him with a deep understanding of the core business operations.
In 2003, Mr. Pratthana made a pivotal transition from engineering to marketing, assuming the role of Wireless Service Planning & Development Manager. This move marked the beginning of his rapid rise through the company’s commercial and product divisions.
A Strategic Ascent Through Marketing and Digital
His career progression highlights a consistent expansion of responsibilities, moving in lockstep with the industry’s shift from basic connectivity to digital services:
- 2008: Promoted to Vice President – Value Added Service Business, placing him at the center of the company’s emerging revenue streams beyond voice and text.
- 2012: Appointed Senior Vice President – Digital Product & Service, signifying his leadership in AIS’s digital transformation.
- 2013: Named Executive Vice President – Marketing, taking broader control of the company’s brand and market strategy.
- 2016: Took on the role of Acting Chief Marketing Officer.
- 2017 (October): Formally appointed Chief Consumer Business Officer, solidifying his command over the company’s primary customer-facing operations.
Most recently, Mr. Pratthana held the dual-hatted role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the company’s marketing operations while simultaneously developing and driving its digital products and services—a clear indicator of his integrated approach to technology and commerce.
Academic Foundations
Mr. Pratthana’s robust career is built on a strong academic foundation in engineering and systems analysis. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Kasetsart University in Thailand. He furthered his studies in the United States, earning two Master of Science degrees—one in Electrical Engineering and another in Systems Science & Mathematics—from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Strategic Implications for Business
The appointment of Mr. Pratthana is strategically significant for the business community and AIS stakeholders. By selecting a leader who has not only built the company’s networks but also marketed its most advanced digital services, the AIS board is prioritizing deep institutional knowledge and operational excellence.
His unique background, which fuses core engineering with consumer marketing and digital product development, positions him to navigate the complex challenges of the modern telecom landscape, from 5G expansion and IoT integration to competition in the digital services and content arenas. His immediate past role as COO ensures a seamless operational transition, while his marketing and digital background signals a continued focus on innovation and customer-centric growth.
As Mr. Somchai Lertsutiwong transitions to his board role, his retirement from the CEO position marks the end of a significant chapter for AIS. The company now looks to Mr. Pratthana Leelapanang to steer its next phase of growth, leveraging 28 years of internal experience to execute its future vision.
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