Two deputy governors of Phuket were abruptly transferred out of the province today, by order of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as interior minister, over an alleged conflict with the governor.
The two deputy governors, Adul Chuthong and Teerapong Chuaychoo, were transferred to the same posts in Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat respectively. Deputy governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat was appointed the new deputy governor of Samut Sakhon.
Deputy governor of Samut Sakhon, Khetrat Charnsilp, and deputy governor of Songkhla, Romdon Hayi Arwae, were both appointed deputy governors of Phuket.
The abrupt transfers followed a meeting on Monday of senior officials and governors from all provinces at the Ministry of Interior, for a briefing on important ministry policies, especially matters related to Thailand’s prospective accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
At one point during the meeting, Prime Minister Anutin who was in the chair, is reported to have explicitly expressed his dissatisfaction over a report by the Phuket governor that one of the deputy governors had claimed that he could order the transfer of the governor.
Apparently annoyed, Anutin quipped to those at the meeting that he wondered which deputy governor is bigger than the prime minister, adding that the transfer of a governor has to go through several steps, including approval by the Cabinet.
He then ordered the interior permanent secretary to investigate matter and to report to him before his departure on an official visit of Russia. He explained that the probe was not to find fault, but to find the truth, adding that, in the Interior Ministry, no one is above the law.
It is reported that the unidentified deputy governor, only referred to as ‘Kung’ (shrimp) or ‘Deputy Seafood’ stood up at the meeting to defend himself and to demand justice. He also offered to present documents in his own defence.
The cabinet approved today the exchange of positions between Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn and Chotnarin Kerdsom, deputy permanent secretary of interior.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explained that the appointment of Phuket governor as the deputy permanent secretary of interior was recommended by the permanent secretary to ease the conflict in Phuket and to improve efficiency in the provincial administration.
He said that the abrupt transfer of the Phuket governor and his two deputies from the province was necessary and could not wait for the completion of a possibly lengthy investigation.
He insisted, however, that the new position for the Phuket governor is appropriate for his seniority and experience.
