Suriya Clarifies Rachen Transfer Dispute, Denies Grandson Involvement, Insists It's Not Political—Threatens Legal Action if It Continues

On April 30, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jurungruangkit explained the cabinet resolution transferring Rachen Silpaprayya from his position as director-general of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department to inspector-general, stating it was a management-based restructuring unrelated to personal matters as alleged.

Suriya emphasized that regarding claims his grandson attempted to contact the director-general since July 2025, he had no involvement at that time as he was serving at the Transport Ministry. Concerning allegations of contact records from March and April 2026, Suriya said he was unaware beforehand and only learned about it from news reports. He confirmed his grandson did make contact attempts but insisted that had he known in advance, he would have informed the director-general. He stressed he never received direct communication from his grandson about this matter.

Regarding accusations that his grandson visited the office, Suriya dismissed these as inconsistent with facts, noting the director-general never granted him a meeting, even once. He argued that although they are relatives, everyone leads their own separate lives—he works in politics while others pursue business ventures with no connection between them.

Suriya reiterated that the transfer would proceed regardless of this controversy, as it was decided for overall administrative efficiency. With agriculture facing numerous challenges, the sector requires capable leaders to implement policies swiftly and effectively. All procedures are transparent, auditable, and unrelated to political concerns.

Suriya stated that if anyone questions his actions or believes they were improper, they can seek clarification or take legal recourse. However, if Rachen continues making unfounded accusations causing damage without evidence, he may also exercise his legal rights.