The director of Wat Kai Tia School in Pathum Thani has denied rumors about unfair civil servant transfers, affirming that former MP and two mayors were not involved. He plans to discuss legal measures against media and has apologized to Surapong, Thawatchai, and Sombun for the allegations made against them.
Dr. Sitthichai Phakphat, director of Wat Kai Tia Community School under the Pathum Thani Primary Educational Service Area Office 2, previously filed a complaint and sought justice from the media regarding suspected irregularities and interference in the process of appointing and transferring school administrators. He believed local politicians exerted influence over the procedure to secure the director position at Wat Thian Thawai School, claiming close ties with senior officials and the Ministry of Education.
At 10:00 a.m. on 21 Sep 2023, at the second-floor meeting room of Bangkadi Municipality, Mueang District, Pathum Thani Province, Dr. Sitthichai Phakphat presented facts and formally apologized to key local figures: former Pathum Thani MP Surapong Ungumpornwilai (former advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and former Deputy Minister of Education), Thawatchai Ungumpornwilai, mayor of Bangkadi Municipality, and Sombun Panyoi, mayor of Ban Mai Subdistrict Municipality. Also attending were Sawak Prasertsuk, mayor of Chiang Rak Yai Subdistrict Municipality, Wirat Phayungwong, advisor to the mayor of Chiang Rak Yai, and several local executives. The gathering aimed to clarify and peacefully resolve the arising concerns.
Dr. Sitthichai Phakphat held a press briefing addressing rumors implying unfair civil servant transfers that damaged the reputations of involved individuals. He asserted the information was inaccurate and false, emphasizing that the three mentioned persons had no involvement or interference in the transfer process or the director appointment.
The Wat Kai Tia Community School director reiterated that the damaging news referenced three important figures: former MP Surapong Ungumpornwilai, Thawatchai Ungumpornwilai, mayor of Bangkadi Municipality, and Sombun Panyoi, mayor of Ban Mai Subdistrict Municipality. He firmly confirmed that none of these individuals had any connection to the alleged unfair civil servant transfers.
Regarding the bureaucratic system, the director explained that the transfer process involves multiple steps with strict measures and oversight mechanisms in accordance with government regulations. The process has not yet been finalized, but he remains confident in the committee’s transparency and adherence to official disciplinary procedures.
Concerning online media reports and interviews containing selectively edited statements that distorted the facts, the director said he has tried to contact the pages and interviewees to correct the information but was unsuccessful. He now plans to pursue legal consultation to protect his and the organization’s reputations.
Subsequently, Dr. Sitthichai Phakphat respectfully knelt before former MP Surapong Ungumpornwilai, Thawatchai Ungumpornwilai, and Sombun Panyoi, who accepted his apology. All three stated they do not intend to take legal action and have forgiven the director but urged him to think carefully before speaking, reminding him that one must take responsibility for their words. They also wished the director success in his career.