Pheu Thai Unfazed by Ethics Complaint Against Suriya Over Royal Irrigation Department Director Transfer
Agriculture Minister Suriya faces an ethics complaint over his transfer of a Royal Irrigation Department director, but Pheu Thai insists the move followed proper procedures aligned with government policy.
On May 2, 2025, Suksisat SriChomkwan, Deputy Prime Minister's Political Secretary and Pheu Thai Party spokesperson, addressed lawyer Ruangkrai Leekijwattana's petition to the Election Commission (EC) requesting investigation and referral to the Constitutional Court. The petition questions whether Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit's transfer of Royal Irrigation Department and Agricultural Aviation Director Rachan Silparayas to the position of ministry inspector general constitutes a serious breach of ethical standards warranting the minister's removal. Suksisat urged the public to follow the facts carefully. He explained that since Pheu Thai joined the government, urgent work on the 2025 budget has been necessary to align with government policy and campaign promises, making consultations with state agencies routine. He firmly denied allegations that relatives were called to review budgets and stated that the EC petition should pose no problems. "The Agriculture and Cooperative Ministry has conducted all operations according to established procedures properly, and I am confident this matter will not negatively impact the ministry's work," Suksisat said.
