Justice Minister Defends Official Reassignment
Justice Minister General Rutthapon Naowarat defended the Cabinet's reassignment of Permanent Secretary Pongsawat Nilaiyotin, citing completion of her four-year term and standard civil service rotation practices. He denied allegations of pol
Justice Minister General Rutthapon Naowarat addressed the Cabinet's decision on July 8 to reassign Permanent Secretary Pongsawat Nilaiyotin to Prime Minister's Advisor for Civil Service, with Piyasiri Wattanavarangkur replacing her. The minister denied political interference, explaining that Pongsawat had completed her four-year term ending July 18 and required reassignment under standard rotation practices applicable across civil service ranks, including police positions. When asked if Pongsawat could have continued into a fifth year, Rutthapon stated that extension was possible but remained at ministerial discretion. He further dismissed suggestions of political motivations behind Piyasiri's appointment, noting his prior experience within the Justice Ministry across multiple positions and his equivalent rank. Rutthapon clarified the reassignment was routine rotation without loss of rights or status.
