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Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Phumtham defends reshuffle
Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai insisted that the decision to replace several senior ministry officials with known ties to the Bhumjaithai Party wasn't politically motivated, saying the move was taken to improve administrative performance. The veteran Pheu Thai politician, who is also the acting prime minister, made the remarks on Tuesday after government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub announced the cabinet had approved the reshuffle of several positions within the Interior Ministry. Chaiwat Chuntirapong, who was the director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA), was made an inspector-general of the Interior Ministry. He will be replaced by Chiang Mai governor, Nirat Wongsitthithavorn. Similarly, Narucha Kosasivilai, director-general of the Department of Local Administration, was appointed an inspector-general of the ministry. He will be succeeded by Phetchaburi governor, Phopchanok Chalanukroh. Mr Phumtham insisted the move was not politically motivated and dismissed speculation which claimed both men were removed from their posts due to their close ties with his predecessor, Anutin Charnvirakul, who is the leader of Bhumjaithai. Bhumjaithai withdrew from the government coalition after Pheu Thai moved to reclaim the Interior Ministry from Bhumjaithai's control, following a rift between the former coalition partners. Mr Phumtham stressed that the appointments were based on their performance, especially in combating narcotics under the "Seal Stop Safe" policy. "There is no colour [political affiliation], just the colour of the Interior Ministry," he said. "Those who are active will be recognised, while those playing golf all day won't." Asked if the government is planning to reshuffle other positions within the Interior Ministry, Mr Phumtham said it will depend on the officials' performance in the next three months. When asked to explain why the government moved to replace the director-general of DoPA, who only has two months left until his mandatory retirement in October, Mr Phumtham said it had to do with his handling of administrative issues, such as the ID card shortages in Buri Ram.
Bangkok Post
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Phumtham vows drug blitz
Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has pledged a nationwide crackdown on narcotics, crime syndicates, and mafia-style figures, calling the drug crisis a pressing threat to national security. Mr Phumtham, who is also acting prime minister, on Friday presented policies to senior ministry officials and provincial governors nationwide on his first official day in the role at the Ministry of Interior. He reiterated a message he had delivered, stating that the Ministry of Interior plays a crucial role in Thailand's governance framework, from the provincial to the district level, in implementing policy and addressing grassroots problems. He also emphasised the importance of internal solidarity. "Here, there are no black, red, white, green, gold, or blue lions. There is only the lion of the Interior." Mr Phumtham was using jargon linked to factionalism within the ministry. The minister stressed that changes need to be seen during his first three months in office and that those who remain idle, either because they are near retirement or for other reasons, are unacceptable. He is also planning to expand his Seal Stop Safe, a drug-suppression initiative that has been implemented in 14 provinces, to the national level. "People are running out of patience with the drug crisis. Every villager knows who the drug dealers are, and who collude with civil servants. Villagers say district chiefs and local police commanders don't know this, and they ask me if the government is toughening up." He stated that this effort will be coordinated with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the police, and the military. A meeting will be held on July 14 to ensure an integrated response. Regarding the connection between mafia-style figures and transnational criminal networks, he said authorities have investigated financial transaction routes, including mule accounts. These efforts are being supported by the Anti-Money Laundering Office, which is tracing financial flows and will soon begin naming those involved. The new Interior Minister sees his ministry as the "centre of all measures. The people's stability is security in all dimensions, not just those involving the military or police".
