Bangkok: "I wasn't running away from the media!" Arsit clarifies rumors circulating that he refused interviews regarding the abrupt transfer of 5 deputy governors in the South amid a crackdown on influential figures. He insists the news is inaccurate, stating he was merely rushing to attend a Cabinet meeting with the Prime Minister and that the transfers were for the benefit of public administration.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, clarified the news reports stating that he had refused to give interviews to the media regarding the transfer of five deputy governors in southern provinces stemming from efforts to address the issue of influential figures in each area. He affirmed that he did not refuse to give interviews and that the news reports were likely inaccurate. He explained that he was attending a cabinet meeting in his capacity as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and that the Prime Minister had already entered the meeting room before the meeting began. Therefore, he had to request permission to join the meeting first. He reiterated that the transfers were made to ensure smooth administration and benefit the government.