BANGKOK — Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 16 June defended the transfer of Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsittithavorn, saying the move was aimed at improving administrative efficiency and resolving longstanding conflicts that have hampered efforts to tackle influential figures and alleged criminal networks on the resort island.
Before the weekly Cabinet meeting at Government House, Anutin held a private discussion with ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party. Aides accompanying ministers were asked to wait outside Thai Khu Fah Building amid reports that several officials had been criticized over their handling of influential local figures, particularly in Phuket.
The scrutiny followed a policy meeting at the Interior Ministry on 15 June, where Anutin reportedly rebuked officials over their failure to address local power networks. The criticism was followed by transfer orders affecting five deputy governors in southern provinces.
When asked about the transfer of Phuket deputy governors before the Cabinet meeting, Anutin briefly replied: “Ask the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry.”
Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampantharat initially declined to comment, but later clarified that he had not refused interviews. He said he had simply needed to attend the Cabinet meeting after the prime minister had already entered the meeting room.
Later on 16 June, the Cabinet approved the appointment of Phuket Governor Nirat as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry. Chotinrin Kerdsom, currently a deputy permanent secretary, was appointed to replace him as Phuket governor.
The reshuffle comes amid tensions among Interior Ministry officials in Phuket. On the evening of 15 June, the ministry also ordered the transfer of two Phuket deputy governors who had reportedly been involved in disputes.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting at 12.10 hrs, Anutin said the transfer had already been approved and was proposed by the Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary.
“The transfer is about work efficiency,” Anutin said. “Moving him to deputy permanent secretary is a promotion. The Phuket governor is a senior official with a strong professional profile.”
Asked whether the move was linked to local conflicts and issues raised during the Interior Ministry meeting a day earlier, Anutin said Phuket faced multiple unresolved problems despite government intervention.
“We have seen clips and public accusations. Under such circumstances, people cannot work together,” he said. “We need officials who have no conflicts and can work as a team. Phuket is an economic city that generates enormous revenue for the country.”
Anutin also cited concerns over alleged beach land encroachments, restrictions on public access to coastal areas, and intimidation by mafia-style groups.
“Should I wait another nine months for reports, investigations and fact-finding committees?” he asked. “I have instructed the Interior Ministry to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.”
When asked whether he would continue examining the conduct of the ministry’s permanent secretary, as he had suggested on 15 June, Anutin said the matter would depend on the facts.
“If nothing changes and someone keeps saying everything is fine, then there would be questions,” he said. “But the permanent secretary has already shown that is not the case.”
Regarding speculation that the transfers were linked to influential figures in Phuket, Anutin reiterated that further details should be sought from the permanent secretary, who had proposed the reshuffle.
Arsit later told reporters that the transfers were intended to ease tensions arising from allegations involving grey capital networks and influential figures seeking benefits in Phuket.
“The adjustment is solely for the benefit of the administration and to ensure smooth operations,” he said. “The officials involved have not been sent far away, while new personnel can step in to help resolve the problems.”
He denied that the transfer of the Phuket governor was directly linked to the earlier transfer of Phuket’s provincial chief administrative officer.
Using an analogy, Arsit said unresolved disputes among officials had hindered progress.
“Sometimes when there is sand in your shoe, it becomes difficult to walk,” he said. “You need to remove it before putting the shoe back on. New people can use their experience to solve problems, while those who have been there for a long time may only know the problems but not be able to resolve them.”
Arsit insisted the transfers were not related to personal interests or benefits.
“The goal is simply to allow administration in Phuket to move forward and ensure existing problems are resolved as quickly as possible,” he said.
He acknowledged that Nirat was an experienced and senior official who understood local issues, but said solutions had not progressed sufficiently. He also noted that Phuket’s deputy governors had not been working effectively as a team, making a broader personnel change necessary.
Investigations launched by a previous Phuket governor will continue, with reports to be submitted to the Interior Ministry, Arsit added.
He also dismissed suggestions that the reshuffle was motivated by fears that the prime minister might order an investigation into his own conduct.
“I am not afraid of anything,” he said. “The priority is effective administration. The prime minister asked me about the situation, and I advised that the best solution was to ease the tensions. We have seen reports every day about officials arguing with one another. We need to resolve that situation.”
Arsit said the newly appointed Phuket governor would review the situation on the ground and expressed confidence that the official had the experience needed to address the island’s challenges. He added that disciplinary and administrative investigations involving transferred officials would continue regardless of their new postings.
