Floods Persist as Government Transfer of District Chief Sparks Backlash
Flooding continues to affect many parts of Thailand, prompting concerns about drainage, waste management, and recovery efforts. Amid the crisis, a controversy arose after the government transferred the district chief of Ban Sang in Prachinburi Province, a move criticized as a political stunt rather than flood relief. Public reaction has been divided, with accusations of insincerity and calls for accountability.
Flood concerns remain high across many areas, with water levels in Bangkok and surrounding provinces slightly receding but still requiring vigilance. Questions about drainage have expanded into broader management issues, including victim compensation, urban and housing recovery, and especially waste collection, which local authorities such as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and municipalities must handle. When local capacity is exceeded, assistance from the central government is sought. Although some areas have seen water recede, many localities remain flooded, water is turning foul, and residents’ livelihoods are worsening. Amid this hardship, the government’s action that has drawn public attention—rather than focusing on relief, recovery, or water‑management plans—has turned into a controversy over the transfer of District Chief Setthewut Wongleawut of Ban Sang District, Prachinburi Province, to the Provincial Administration College. This move is not a routine civil‑service reshuffle; Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged it as a request from Prachinburi Governor Wirapan De‑on, who described the official as lacking enthusiasm and dedication, calling it an embarrassment to the bureaucracy. Instead of public approval, a backlash emerged after clips showed the district chief visiting residents and appearing to stage media‑friendly performances. It was also revealed that the governor who proposed the transfer had recently retired, had signed the order on his last working day, and had previously faced controversy over appointing Chinese advisors and over alleged electronic‑waste dumping in Prachinburi and Chachoengsao provinces, which led to a backlash from affected interests. The government has had to defend the transfer, insisting the district chief merely creates content and seeks camera time rather than performing duties. While the truth remains to be proven, the conflicting accounts suggest someone is lying. The authority to reassign officials rests with the Director‑General of the Provincial Administration Department, who reports to the Interior Ministry permanent secretary, the minister, and the prime minister. Although the power exists and can be exercised, its use will provoke a societal reaction—whether it strengthens authority or erodes it remains to be seen.
