Transport Minister Delays New Secretary Appointment Pending Investigation
Former Transport Ministry secretary Ratchapong Chookaew resigned in June amid corruption allegations involving civil service exam results, with Transport Minister Pipat saying a replacement won't be appointed until an investigation conclude
Former Transport Ministry secretary Ratchapong Chookaew resigned on June 27 amid allegations linking him to corruption in local government civil service exams, after relatives with his surname were found to have ranked highly in the test results. On July 6, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn stated the ministry has not yet appointed a replacement, explaining he wants to allow the investigation to proceed and for Ratchapong to prove his innocence. Pipat said he initially withheld approval of Ratchapong's resignation request but the secretary insisted on leaving to facilitate the investigation. If Ratchapong is ultimately found innocent, Pipat pledged to bring him back to his original position, stating the ministry will not protect anyone found guilty. He emphasized that if fraud occurred, it would be a personal matter unrelated to the Transport Ministry and that he will not interfere, letting facts speak for themselves. Pipat noted the ministry's operations remain unaffected as there are many capable civil servants available.
