PM Deflects Questions to Agriculture Minister on High-Profile Bureaucratic Reshuffle Drama
A senior agriculture official resigned over political pressure, prompting PM Anutin to redirect questions to the Agriculture Minister instead of addressing allegations of interference in the bureaucratic reshuffle.
At 10:54 AM on April 30, 2025, at the Royal Thai Police Office, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister addressed the case of Rachan Silparayya, director-general of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, who announced his early retirement following his reassignment to an inspector-general position. He cited his inability to comply with political directives as his reason for stepping down. The PM stated that questions should be directed to Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, as he oversees the ministry. When pressed about what appeared to be a major conflict between the department chief and the Agriculture Minister, the PM reiterated that the Agriculture Minister should be asked about the rationale behind the decision. When reporters raised questions about alleged third-party interference in the high-level civil service transfer, the PM declined to comment and promptly left the area.
