Public Works Chief Denies Internal Conflict, Defends Ministry Dignity
The Director-General of Thailand's Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning denied any internal conflict within the Ministry of Interior, saying the department's Facebook page merely defended its dignity and encouraged staff. He clarified that the response was not ordered by the current Permanent Secretary and aimed to maintain morale amid changing work practices. He urged unity and constructive work for the public's benefit.
Teerapat Kachamat spoke at the Government House on October 15, 2026, addressing the online exchange between the Department of Public Works' Facebook page and former Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Suttipong Chunlaruen. He said he had seen the interview and accepted that Suttipong's comments were personal, but stressed that many civil servants still need encouragement to carry out their duties. He emphasized that the ministry's workload is vast, covering disaster relief, public services, and land management, and that staff should support one another rather than view the exchange as a conflict. When asked whether the current Permanent Secretary, Arsit Sampantharat, had directed the response, Teerapat said it was not an order but a desire to adapt to changing times and working styles. He noted that advice from former officials is normal, but he does not want morale among ministry employees to decline, urging everyone to help build encouragement so public service can be performed fully. Teerapat added that using official social media pages is necessary to achieve harmony and smooth operations, and he hopes for unity, constructive work, and the highest benefit for the public.
