Anutin Defers to Interior Ministry on Phuket Deputy Governor Transfers

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul referred questions regarding the transfer of two Phuket deputy governors to the Permanent Secretary of the Interior. This action follows reports that several ministers were reprimanded for failing to address local influence peddling, resulting in the reshuffling of five deputy governors effective June 16.

Why were Phuket deputy governors transferred?

The transfers followed a June 15, 2026, policy meeting for Interior Ministry heads, according to reports. During that session, the Prime Minister reprimanded officials over the handling of influential figures in various regions, specifically citing Phuket.

This reprimand led to an official order transferring five deputy governors. Two of those officials were stationed in Phuket, while three others were moved in a broader reshuffle of positions.

Did You Know? The orders to relocate the five deputy governors were issued following a June 15 policy meeting and became effective on June 16.

What happened during the Cabinet meeting?

Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the Cabinet meeting at Government House at 10:00 a.m. Before the session began, he convened a private meeting with ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party at the Thai Khu Fa Building.

Anutin requested that all aides and followers of the ministers wait outside during this internal discussion. Reports indicate the private session involved criticism of several ministers regarding their failure to resolve issues with local influential figures.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the requirement for aides to wait outside during the Thai Khu Fa Building meeting suggests a high level of sensitivity. By deflecting questions to the Permanent Secretary, the Prime Minister maintains a distance from the administrative execution of the transfers while signaling that the reprimands were a directive from the top.

How did officials respond to the transfers?

When reporters questioned him about the Phuket transfers, Anutin responded briefly, telling them to “ask the Permanent Secretary of the Interior.”

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Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampantharat declined to interview with the press. He refused to answer questions on the matter before following the Prime Minister into the Cabinet meeting.

Who was absent from the meeting?

Three ministers notified the government of their absence from the session. Yoschanan Wongswasdi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, was absent due to overseas duties.

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defense, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, also requested leave from the meeting.

What may happen next?

The government could implement further administrative reshuffles if the crackdown on local influence peddling continues. It is possible that the Interior Ministry may issue new directives to regional governors to prevent similar failures in other provinces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many deputy governors were transferred in total?
Five deputy governors were transferred, including two from Phuket.

What triggered the transfer of the officials?
The moves occurred after the Prime Minister reprimanded officials during a June 15 policy meeting regarding the failure to solve problems with influential figures in their areas.

Which ministers were absent from the Cabinet meeting?
Yoschanan Wongswasdi, Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapol Naowarat.

How should the government balance local influence with administrative oversight in provincial governance?