Bangkok: Clarifying the recent administrative decision, the Minister of Justice has emphasized that the transfer of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice was in line with the completion of the official's four-year term, dismissing any claims of political influence.
According to Thai News Agency, Police Lieutenant General Ruduthpol Nawarat, Minister of Justice, addressed the Cabinet's decision to transfer Ms. Pongsawat Neelayothin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, to the role of Advisor to the Prime Minister for Civil Servants at the Prime Minister's Secretariat. He highlighted that this move was in accordance with the standard procedure following the completion of her term on July 18th.
Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol elaborated that it is customary for senior civil servants to be transferred upon completing their four-year terms unless a decision is made for their continued tenure. He pointed out that this decision rests with the Minister and the Prime Minister. Ms. Pongsawat's transfer is described as a routine procedure akin to practices within the general civil service system, including the Royal Thai Police, which also rotates positions at term completion.
Addressing rumors of political pressure influencing the transfer, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol firmly refuted such claims. He mentioned that the Secretary of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, with prior experience in the Ministry of Justice, is well-equipped to understand and carry out the Ministry's mission effectively.
Concerning criticisms about the nature of Ms. Pongsawat's new position as advisor to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice clarified that the role is on the same level with designated personnel, ensuring that the transferred individual retains all benefits and career advancement opportunities.