A high-ranking source at the Ministry of Justice confirmed there is no planned swap of directors between the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Probation Department. Meanwhile, Director Khemchat welcomed rumors of a likely promotion to DSI deputy director, saying the decision rests with the superiors.
Regarding rumors about high-level transfers within the Department of Special Investigation, including the director and deputy director positions, it was suggested that a swap might occur between Pol. Lt. Col. Yuttana Praedam, DSI Director, and Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul, Probation Department Director. Additionally, there were mentions of reorganizing the DSI deputy directors. Currently, three deputy directors serve: Pol. Lt. Col. Wisanu Chimtrakoon, Pol. Lt. Col. Anurak Rojaniranakit, and Pol. Lt. Col. Chatupol Bongkhamat. One deputy director slot remains vacant after Pol. Lt. Col. Surawut Rangsai transferred to become Deputy Director of the Department of Corrections, leaving that position open. This has led to speculation that Pol. Lt. Col. Chatupol Bongkhamat might be promoted to inspector, and Pol. Lt. Col. Anurak Rojaniranakit could move to Deputy Director of the Department of Execution.
If that occurs, it would create three vacant deputy director positions at the DSI requiring new appointments. Recently, Pol. Lt. Col. Khemchat Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Technology and Information Case Division, has been named a prominent candidate. He is known for handling cases such as Forex trading scams, the arrest of an online gambling network linked to Songkhla MP Chonnapat Naksua from the Kla Party, and cases involving illicit electricity use for digital currency mining. Currently, he works closely with Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, effectively serving as the minister's right-hand man. Another candidate is Pol. Lt. Col. Natthaphon Disyatham, Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Case Division, known for investigating illegal pork cases, forged documents, the investigation into actress Tangmo's fatal speedboat accident, land encroachment at Khao Kradong, and VIP runway cases.
At 1:00 p.m. on 3 Sep, at the DSI press room in Government Complex, Chaeng Watthana, reporters asked Pol. Lt. Col. Khemchat Prakaihongmanee about rumors that he might be promoted to DSI deputy director. He smiled, dismissed the rumor with a small laugh, and briefly replied, "That is a matter for the superiors." When asked if it was part of a scheduled promotion cycle, he declined to answer and ended the interview.
Additional reports from within the DSI indicate that the selection for the vacant deputy director position is handled by the Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary, since the deputy director role is a C9 level civil service position under the Permanent Secretary's authority. Unlike director-level transfers, this appointment does not require Cabinet approval. Selection criteria include highest seniority, past achievements, and prior experience as a case division director.
Currently, the list of candidates likely to be selected as future DSI deputy directors includes: 1. Mr. Kriengkrai Suebsamphan, Director of the Special Operations Division and DSI spokesperson; 2. Pol. Lt. Col. Waranan Srilam, Director of the Consumer Protection Case Division and DSI spokesperson; 3. Pol. Lt. Col. Khemchat Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Technology and Information Case Division; and 4. Pol. Lt. Col. Natthaphon Disyatham, Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Case Division.
Regarding widespread rumors about a swap between Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul, Director of the Probation Department, and Pol. Lt. Col. Yuttana Praedam, DSI Director, a high-ranking Ministry of Justice source said these rumors originate from individuals outside the Cabinet. Transfers at the C10 level require Cabinet approval, with the Permanent Secretary proposing names for the Minister of Justice to present to the Cabinet for endorsement. Therefore, no director-level swaps have been decided. Furthermore, the Probation Department is larger than the DSI in terms of budget, personnel, and authority. Transferring the Probation Director to the DSI would effectively be a demotion or punishment to Pol. Lt. Col. Piya Raksakul. Hence, no director swaps between these two departments are currently planned.