Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended the transfer of Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsittithavorn, saying the move is intended to improve administrative efficiency and help resolve longstanding conflicts that have hampered efforts to tackle influential figures and alleged criminal networks on the island.

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The Cabinet approved Nirat’s appointment as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry on 16 June 2026. Chotinrin Kerdsom, currently a deputy permanent secretary, was appointed as the new Phuket governor.

Before the weekly Cabinet meeting at Government House, Anutin held a private discussion with ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party amid reports that several officials had been criticised over their handling of influential local figures in Phuket. The scrutiny followed a policy meeting at the Interior Ministry on 15 June, where Anutin reportedly rebuked officials for failing to address local power networks.

The criticism was followed by transfer orders affecting five deputy governors in southern provinces. On the evening of 15 June, the ministry also ordered the transfer of two Phuket deputy governors who had reportedly been involved in disputes.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Anutin said the transfer had been proposed by Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampantharat and was focused on improving work efficiency. He described the move as a promotion for Nirat, noting that the Phuket governor was a senior official with a strong professional record.

Anutin said Phuket continued to face unresolved issues despite government intervention. He referred to public accusations and circulating video clips, adding that officials could not work effectively when conflicts persisted. He also cited concerns over alleged beach land encroachments, restrictions on public access to coastal areas and intimidation by mafia-style groups.

Questioned about whether the reshuffle was connected to influential figures on the island, Anutin said further details should be sought from the permanent secretary. He added that if problems remained unresolved while officials insisted everything was normal, questions would inevitably be raised.

Arsit later said the transfers were designed to ease tensions linked to allegations involving grey capital networks and influential figures seeking benefits in Phuket. He stressed that the changes were made solely to improve administration and ensure smoother operations.

Using an analogy, Arsit said unresolved disputes among officials had become an obstacle to progress, comparing them to “sand in your shoe” that needed to be removed before moving forward. He rejected claims that the transfers were linked to personal interests or benefits.

Investigations launched under the previous Phuket governor will continue, with reports to be submitted to the Interior Ministry. Arsit also said disciplinary and administrative investigations involving transferred officials would proceed regardless of their new postings.

Khaosod the newly appointed governor is expected to review conditions on the ground and oversee efforts to address Phuket’s administrative and law enforcement challenges. Officials say the objective is to reduce tensions, improve cooperation and accelerate the resolution of longstanding problems on the island.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 17 June 2026

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Put the pen down, hands on your head, and move away from the trough.

5 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Arsit later said the transfers were designed to ease tensions linked to allegations involving grey capital networks and influential figures seeking benefits in Phuket. He stressed that the changes were made solely to improve administration and ensure smoother operations.

That could be read as changes to improve administration and ensure smoother operations of the "grey capital networks and influential figures" but maybe I'm just being cynical.