Sanaa:Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the controversy surrounding the transfer of Mr. Setthawut Wongleowut, the District Chief of Ban Sang District in Prachinburi Province, emphasizing that the move was not politically motivated or intended as harassment. He explained that the transfer was a necessary administrative action due to an emergency situation and the district chief's long tenure in the same position.
According to Thai News Agency, the transfer, ordered by Mr. Narucha Khosasilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, was requested by the Governor of Prachinburi. The Prime Minister noted that in provinces affected by disasters, the Provincial Governor acts as the situation commander and has the authority to request such personnel changes. The decision was made to facilitate effective disaster management.
Anutin further stated that there was no need for an investigative committee since this was an emergency situation. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior verified that the Governor's request was valid and noted that the district chief had overstayed his tenure. The transfer was part of routine administrative procedures, and the district chief maintains his status as a high-level administrator.
The Prime Minister dismissed social media criticism, asserting that the transfer was a minor issue within the purview of the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration and did not require Cabinet involvement. He emphasized the need to focus on resolving the ongoing flooding issues in the region, particularly in Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok, where recovery efforts are still underway.
Addressing comments from former Permanent Secretary Sutthipong Chuljaroen, Anutin clarified that the former official's opinions were personal and not reflective of the current administration's stance. He reiterated that the decision was based on the Governor's report and the need to ensure effective management of the flood situation, stressing that there was no political agenda behind the transfer.