Bangkok: The Prime Minister paused signing documents to check the news about the audio clip implicating the wife of the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry in exam cheating. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Mr. Arsit, attended the OTOP fair on its sixth day. He paused while signing documents to watch TV, where news reported on an audio clip implicating the wife of a Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry in a local government exam cheating scandal. He pleaded that it not be viewed as a political maneuver to shake the position.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Arsit Sampanrat, visited the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani building to view the 'OTOP Midyear 2026: Thai Help Thai, Creating Value for Local Wisdom Products to the International Level' event on its sixth day. While walking around the event and taking photos with visitors, the Prime Minister received a phone call and momentarily left to answer it. He then proceeded to greet his parents, who were also attending the fair, in a nearby lounge.
During this time, Ms. Traisulee Traisaranakul, Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Natthajaree Anantasilsin, Secretary to the Cabinet, along with their team, presented the Prime Minister with a large suitcase containing documents for signing. While signing, he paused to watch news coverage of an audio clip implicating the wife of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior in a corruption scandal related to local government recruitment exams. The Prime Minister remarked on the media attention surrounding the Permanent Secretary, highlighting that the investigation would be thorough and impartial.
Reporters questioned Mr. Anutin about the scandal, to which he responded that an investigation team had been established to ensure accountability. He emphasized that the Ministry of Interior had initiated an investigative committee and that legal action would be pursued against those responsible, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing wrongdoing.
When asked about the role of the Permanent Secretary in the investigation, the Prime Minister indicated that there was no need for an open discussion as the Permanent Secretary was actively involved in the proceedings. He assured that the investigation would be evidence-based and transparent.
A query regarding the transfer of the Permanent Secretary to ensure impartiality was met with confidence by the Prime Minister, who stated that all matters were being handled according to procedure. He expressed no concern over accusations, reiterating that the investigation would report back within a week.
Additionally, the Prime Minister commented on the return of Mr. Rungruang Thimabut, the Deputy Governor of Phuket, to his original position. The transfer was a procedural step following the expiration of an investigation period, with the investigation itself still ongoing.
On a different note, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed satisfaction with the OTOP Midyear 2026 event, noting the significant sales figures achieved over six days. He anticipated surpassing the sales target of 600 million baht, highlighting the positive impact on local entrepreneurs and the economy.
The OTOP Midyear 2026 event continues until June 28, 2025, offering visitors an opportunity to support community economic development through various subsidies, enhancing the livelihood of Thai families nationwide.