Five senior Phuket provincial officials have been transferred pending an investigation linked to allegations of extortion and bribery involving entertainment venues in Patong. The Department of Provincial Administration issued the order on 20 May 2026 after complaints from business operators and nightlife workers in Bangla Road, Patong, accused state officials of demanding illegal payments and obstructing licensing procedures.
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The order, signed by Department of Provincial Administration director-general Narucha Khosasitwilai, stated that the transfers were necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent interference with evidence. The reassignment period runs from 25 May to 24 June 2026 under Section 32 of the State Administration Act 1991 and its amendments.
The five officials affected are Phuket deputy governor Rungreung Thimabut, Phuket City district chief Siwat Rawangkul, Thalang district chief Wilailak Rueangphon, Kathu district chief Akkharaphon Sutthirak Jitsusupha, and Phuket provincial disaster prevention chief Danai Suksakul. Each has been ordered to report to separate divisions within the Department of Provincial Administration in advisory or support roles during the investigation period.
The move follows mounting pressure from entertainment venue operators and staff in Patong, who publicly gathered to oppose what they described as extortion and unlawful demands for benefits from state officials. They also called on authorities to address long-standing problems surrounding entertainment venue licensing and to ensure fair treatment for businesses operating in the area.
Officials said the complaints had damaged the image of both the Interior Ministry and the Department of Provincial Administration, while also affecting public confidence in government agencies. The department stated that a swift and impartial fact-finding process was needed to restore trust and minimise disruption in Phuket.
The developments also coincide with a recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Phuket on 10 May. During the visit, he monitored efforts to resolve alleged encroachment by influential groups on public land at Freedom Beach and called for more systematic action against local influence networks.
Observers say the transfers signal growing scrutiny of provincial administration and local enforcement practices in Phuket, particularly in tourism and nightlife zones where complaints over unofficial payments and licensing disputes have surfaced repeatedly in recent years.
Amarin reported that authorities have not announced when the investigation will conclude, but the reassigned officials are expected to remain under departmental supervision until at least 24 June. Further disciplinary or legal action will depend on the outcome of the inquiry.
Picture courtesy of Amarin
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 21 May 2026