Bangkok: "Pakamon" hopes "Narucha" will explain to the Committee on Political Development to protect the honor of civil servants regarding the leaked chat message "Help the money." Ms. Pakamon Nunanan, a party-list MP from the People's Party and Chair of the Committee on Political Development, Mass Media, and Public Participation, expressed her intention to have Mr. Narucha provide an explanation to the committee in light of recent controversial developments involving Mr. Rungruang Thimabutr, former Deputy Governor of Phuket.
According to Thai News Agency, the controversy erupted after the disclosure of a LINE chat message from Mr. Rungruang Thimabutr that contained instructions to "Help Namngern" during the election campaign. Following this revelation and the subsequent transfer of Mr. Thimabutr, the committee has initiated an investigation to determine if the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration's order was linked to the transfer. Mr. Rungruang has also lodged complaints with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Election Commission (EC) concerning the neutrality of civil servants and alleged neglect of duty under Section 172 of the NACC Act.
The Committee on Political Development has scheduled a meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to delve into the matter. Ms. Pakamon extended an invitation to the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration to join the discussion and provide insights. She emphasized that open discussion of the facts is crucial to dispelling societal doubts and demonstrating the Director-General's integrity.
Ms. Pakamon stressed that transparency from the Director-General is essential to protect civil servants' honor and dignity across the nation. His participation will help alleviate concerns about bias and uphold the integrity of the Department of Provincial Administration. However, she cautioned that failure to engage in the process could lead to further public scrutiny and questions about his impartiality and motives.
Concluding her remarks, Ms. Pakamon expressed hope that the Director-General would seize this opportunity to clarify the situation and demonstrate transparency, thereby safeguarding the reputation of his agency and all provincial administration officials. The outcome of this case is being closely watched by civil servants nationwide as it bears implications for their morale and professional standing.