Government Spokesman Rebukes Ex-Official Over Criticism of PM
Government spokesman Ekaphop Phriphiset countered former interior permanent secretary Sutthipong Chunlachai’s criticism of the Prime Minister’s remarks about moving the Ban Sang district chief, saying the PM spoke out of concern for flood victims and used no foul language. He played an old clip showing Sutthipong himself using harsh language toward officials in a Zoom meeting, arguing that such behavior disqualifies him from lecturing the PM. The spokesman stressed the temporary transfer was necessary because Ban Sang is a flood convergence zone requiring a coordinated response.
Government spokesman Ekaphop Phriphiset defended the Prime Minister’s remarks during a disaster management meeting on October 7, 2024, where the Ban Sang district chief was temporarily reassigned to assist with flood relief. He said the move was proposed by Prachinburi Governor because Ban Sang receives water from both Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi provinces before it flows into the Bang Pakong River, making it a critical flood zone requiring coordinated action. Ekaphop noted that while criticism of the transfer is understandable, Sutthipong’s rebuke of the Prime Minister’s comments is unacceptable given Sutthipong’s own record of using harsh language toward officials. He then played an old Zoom clip from December 27, 2022, in which Sutthipong, as interior permanent secretary, questioned officials’ education and used strong words during a meeting with provincial officials. Ekaphop stressed that the Prime Minister did not use any foul language, spoke out of concern for public safety, and that anyone may criticise or complain, but those who have previously insulted civil servants lack the standing to lecture the Prime Minister. He dismissed suggestions that the transfer was linked to opposition to a recycling waste factory, reiterating that Ban Sang’s flood risk demands full cooperation from all sectors.
