PM Anuthins Overhauls Interior Ministry in August Shake-Up
PM Anuthins is reshuffling the Interior Ministry in August with major transfers of senior officials aimed at ending internal factions and tackling widespread exam-rigging scandals that tarnished the agency's reputation.
Prime Minister Anuthins Chanyaveerakul is moving forward with a major reset of the Interior Ministry in August, involving large-scale transfers of senior officials including deputy permanent secretaries, director-generals, inspectors, provincial governors, and deputy governors. The reshuffle aims to dissolve internal factional divisions and focus on seniority, experience, and capability.
The decision follows an Interior Ministry staff meeting on July 28 in which Anuthins criticized widespread exam-rigging scandals that damaged the ministry's reputation and rejected its derisive nickname "Maha-Tha" (corrupt ministry). Using his position as both Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anuthins vowed to deliver tangible results for the public.
The August transfers will be the first step. Selection criteria include seniority, experience, knowledge, capability, and a clean service record. Notably, provincial governors will also be expected to support business development and serve as a driving force for economic development in their provinces.
Higher-level Interior Ministry officials retiring this fiscal year total 18, including Deputy Permanent Secretary Santhithorn Yimlamhai, Land Department Director Pornpat Penphas, Public Works Director Pongnara Yenyaeng, and 15 provincial governors from across Thailand including Khorat, Tak, Nakhon Sawan, Prachuap Khirikhan, Prachuap Buriram, Pattani, Phrae, Yasothon, Yala, Sa Kaew, Ang Thong, Udon Thani, and Uthai Thani.
Twenty-four additional administrative positions are vacant, including one deputy director post and 23 deputy governor posts. The Cabinet is expected to consider these transfer lists soon.
