Sanaa:Mr. Ekkapop Pienpises, the Prime Minister's spokesperson, addressed criticism from Mr. Sutthipong Chuljaroen, a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, regarding the temporary transfer of Mr. Setthawut Wongleowut, the District Chief of Ban Sang. This transfer was to assist in official duties at the College of Local Administration, Department of Local Administration, during a meeting of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command on October 7th. The appropriateness of this transfer has been questioned, and Mr. Pienpises suggested that the former Governor of Prachinburi Province would be best positioned to provide clarity on the issue.
According to Thai News Agency, the spokesperson emphasized the critical situation in Ban Sang District, where water from Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi provinces converges before flowing into the Bang Pakong River. He highlighted the importance of integrated efforts from all sectors to prevent complacency and sluggish action. Mr. Pienpises noted that while the transfer drew criticism, the Prime Minister's remarks during a meeting were not directed at individuals but were motivated by concern for public welfare.
Mr. Ekkapop also addressed the public perception shaped by social media, asserting the need for cooperation beyond the district chief to ensure public safety. He criticized Mr. Sutthipong for lecturing the Prime Minister, highlighting an incident where Mr. Sutthipong had previously criticized civil servants. Mr. Ekkapop played an old video clip of Mr. Sutthipong questioning civil servants' educational backgrounds during a Zoom meeting in December 2022. He reaffirmed that the Prime Minister's words were not insulting but expressed concern for citizens.
Furthermore, Mr. Ekkapop dismissed allegations that the transfer of Mr. Wongleowut was related to opposition against a recycling plant in the district, calling it a fabricated story. He reiterated the flood-prone nature of Ban Sang and the necessity for cooperation to address the severe situation. He urged inquiries to be directed to the Governor of Prachinburi for more details, emphasizing the need for solid reasoning behind any orders issued.