Chatichai Assumes PM Office Role Pledges Royal Flood Duties
Chatichai Bangchawat began his first day as Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office by paying respects at the spirit house and grandfather shrine. He said he is honored to work on upcoming royal ceremonies for Queen Sirikit and Princess Bajrakitiyabha and will oversee flood‑relief efforts, noting he has handed over his National Security Council duties to General Chaiyapruk Duangphattharaksa effective October 1, 2069.
Chatichai Bangchawat said he would continue the work of his predecessor, who had laid the groundwork, noting that the handover was completed on September 30. He said it was an honor to work on the significant royal ceremonies for Queen Sirikit and Princess Bajrakitiyabha, scheduled for early February 2070, and stressed the need to make all preparations perfect.
Regarding flood‑affected people, he explained that the Prime Minister’s Office has a relief fund with set criteria for compensation and a unit for handling public complaints. Drawing on his experience as secretary‑general of the National Security Council, he said he had long coordinated with the office on such matters, sending NSC representatives to meetings with affected groups.
He added that for the current flooding, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation would lead the response, while his office would discuss with executives how to channel aid from various funds, acknowledging that many agencies are involved and that his office will play a key role in driving the effort.
Chatichai also revealed that on September 30 he had transferred his duties to General Chaiyapruk Duangphattharaksa, the new secretary‑general of the National Security Council, entrusting him with several issues to continue his previous work. He noted that the council’s responsibilities cover national and international security, working alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and especially human security, which requires balancing human rights with security concerns. He said he had briefed General Chaiyapruk on this point, confident that the general’s experience would allow him to carry the work forward smoothly.
