Bangkok: The Prime Minister referred the question to the Permanent Secretary of the Interior after an order was issued to transfer the Deputy Governor of Phuket. The Prime Minister deflected questions about the transfer of the Deputy Governor of Phuket to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. Arsit Vejjajiva declined to comment, amidst reports that Anutin Charnvirakul summoned Bhumjaithai Party ministers to reprimand them regarding the crackdown on influential figures.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul summoned ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party for a meeting before today's cabinet meeting at Government House. Reporters said the meeting was an internal one, with ministers' entourages asked to wait outside. This comes amidst reports that several ministers have been reprimanded for their handling of the issue of influential figures in various areas, particularly Phuket. This follows yesterday's (June 15th) policy meeting of ministry officials where the Prime Minister criticized the government's handling of influential figures, leading to the transfer of five deputy governors in southern provinces.
Reporters attempted to question the Prime Minister about the transfer of the deputy governor of Phuket province. The Prime Minister responded simply, "Ask the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior." Reporters attempted to question Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, about the matter, but he refused to give an interview before immediately following the Prime Minister into the Cabinet meeting.
The agenda for the Cabinet meeting No. 10/2569 on Tuesday, June 16, 2569, includes important items such as 11 items for consideration, 18 items for information (if there are no objections), 5 items for information, and 3 items for informational purposes. Three cabinet ministers have requested leave from the meeting: Mr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence; and Police Lieutenant General Ruudhpol Naowarat, Minister of Justice.