Bangkok: Governor Sembei respects the decision of the Prime Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Interior, and is not discouraged by his transfer to an inactive position.
According to Thai News Agency, Governor Sembei spoke out after being transferred to a less prominent position, expressing respect for the Prime Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Interior. He affirmed that he is not discouraged and will continue working, and emphatically stated that he is not anyone's subordinate when questioned about the Phuket hazing incident. He admitted that some people were unhappy after he warned against accepting bribes or measuring power in the area.
Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Governor of Phuket Province, reported to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on the situation regarding the suppression of influential figures in Phuket. He also spoke openly about the Cabinet's decision to transfer him to the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, stating that he was aware of the transfer and would discuss it with the Prime Minister first. He added that he always respects the Prime Minister's decisions.
Regarding whether being transferred from his position as Governor of Phuket would discourage him from working, Mr. Nirat affirmed that he would not be discouraged and that he respects the Prime Minister.
When asked if the transfer order was a result of working together in the area, Mr. Nirat said that he had no problems with anyone. He was the one who went to resolve conflicts. He said that if you look at the news pages, the conflicts existed before he arrived. He went to resolve conflicts in his capacity as governor, not to side with anyone. He said that those who believe him will adapt, while those who don't will not. He added that if he couldn't control the situation, he would respect the decision of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and the Prime Minister regarding the transfer, or whatever the outcome. He also mentioned that he met with the Prime Minister today to report on the situation, as many things have progressed significantly. He clarified that the issues, such as the foreign mafia, have been brought under control. Regarding the conflicts with people in the area, he admitted that he may not have been able to resolve them yet, and that these are issues at the ministerial level, wh ich he reported to the Prime Minister.
Mr. Nirat affirmed that he is not discouraged and will continue working. He intends to perform his duties to the best of his ability and uphold integrity. His achievements will be evaluated by his superiors, and he will accept any shortcomings if tasks are not completed successfully.
Regarding the proposal to establish a committee to investigate the conflict in the area, is that still moving forward? Mr. Nirat said that, in the opinion of people in the area, there should be a committee that involves more than just one department to conduct the investigation. Since it's said to be a matter for the deputy governor, it should be the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry of Interior should send a committee to investigate, chaired by a deputy permanent secretary who can summon all departments and units within the ministry for discussions and investigations, within their authority.
When asked whether transferring provincial governors and deputy governors would resolve problems in the area, Mr. Nirat said that conflicts must be separated. For example, issues of vested interests in the area are the responsibility of those currently in power to resolve. However, if the individuals alleged to be in conflict are transferred, the problem will disappear along with them.
Regarding the perception that his transfer to become the governor of Phuket was a form of initiation following the recent incident, Mr. Nirat retorted, 'Am I anyone's younger brother? I am the governor of the province, a C10 level official in my ninth year, the most senior in Thailand. I am not anyone's younger brother. I see everyone as my younger brother and it is my duty to help them do the right thing, to warn them. If they see news from the area, I have ordered them not to do anything illegal, not to solicit bribes from anyone, not to oppress anyone. I have warned them when there were clashes or power struggles, and I have warned them openly in meetings and in public. I am not anyone's younger brother; I am the older brother of all civil servants in the province and I am not an adversary.'
When asked if his warning to civil servants against power struggles or accepting bribes was the trigger for their dissatisfaction, Mr. Nirat simply replied, "Certainly."