Editorial: Questions Arise Over Senior Civil Service Appointments
The Anuthins administration faces questions over appointing senior civil servants with 5-10 years of remaining service, raising concerns they could serve multiple governments and potentially become entrenched loyalists rather than neutral a
The Anuthins administration's appointment of senior civil servants is drawing scrutiny because many key positions go to officials with 5-10 years of remaining service. This means these appointees could outlast the government that appointed them.
The recent case of Piyapong Jiwatanakulpaisarn, director-general of the Department of Highways, nominated as Permanent Secretary of Transport, exemplifies this. At 50, he has nearly 10 years of service left, meaning he could serve multiple administrations.
Similarly, Rapipath Chanthasriworachai, approved as Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has about 7 years remaining, as does Piyasiri Wattanawarangkul, Permanent Secretary of Justice, who will retire in 2576.
When Anutin was Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister in 2567, he pushed to promote Arthit Samphantharat as Interior Permanent Secretary at just 53 years old.
While appointing officials with years remaining is not inherently wrong if they have knowledge, ability, and experience and undergo transparent selection processes prioritizing national interest, the government must explain its reasoning to the public. Selecting younger officials offers benefits, including long-term continuity and the ability to develop long-term strategies and solve problems without requiring reshuffles every time political leadership changes.
However, if these appointments are perceived as placing government loyalists in strategic state machinery positions for extended periods, the civil service's political neutrality could be questioned.
Every government has the right to nominate senior administrators it deems suitable, particularly during annual appointments and transfers. Whether appointees have one year or five to ten years of service remaining is immaterial.
The real issue is whether the government can explain its rationale. If selections are based on knowledge and ability, the country and people benefit. But if choices reflect political connections, society has the right to question whether the government is building a management team for continuity or orchestrating a long-term network to benefit the government itself.
Most importantly, all appointed civil servants at every level must serve the country and people with full commitment, proving they are genuinely qualified for their positions rather than advancing through connections or serving as political tools.
