An order dismissing Pongsakorn Saothon from his role as chairman of the Khon Kaen PAO working group has been widely shared on social media, with a new team immediately formed. Wattana stressed that the new PAO administration acts immediately, pays attention to all issues, and makes changes when evaluations are not passed.
At 2:00 p.m. on 18 February 2026, reporters noted that social media and various Khon Kaen pages circulated an official Khon Kaen PAO order number 5699/2568, canceling a previous PAO order number 8142/2567 dated 28 November 2024. The order, signed by Wattana Changlao, Khon Kaen PAO chief, stated the following.
To ensure that the administration of Khon Kaen PAO proceeds smoothly, efficiently, effectively, and drives the policies of the PAO chief to successfully achieve objectives and maximize governmental benefits, by authority under Section 35/5 of the Provincial Administrative Organization Act B.E. 2540 (1997) and its amendments, the previous PAO order 8142/2567 is hereby canceled effective immediately.
Later, the Khon Kaen PAO chief confirmed the authenticity of the circulated document, signed to cancel the previous order on 21 November 2025. He clarified it is unrelated to the 2026 elections for members of parliament or Khon Kaen PAO council members, as these occurred at different times. The canceled order had originally appointed the PAO working group chaired by Pongsakorn Saothon. He served as chairman of the working group, which consisted of 15 members in total.
"I did sign the cancellation order and have since established a new working group under the supervision of the PAO chief within the framework of authority and regulations. Given the PAO’s role as the leading local authority in the province, if performance evaluations and work results do not align with policies or if feedback from the field indicates issues, the management and working group must discuss and make adjustments. When performance evaluations fail, changes must follow," he said.
Wattana continued that the new Khon Kaen PAO administration integrates efforts from all sectors, aiming to reach all age groups, pay attention to every problem, work daily and immediately, operate as a team around the clock, and address all issues and hardships without delay. All matters within the PAO’s jurisdiction must be handled promptly. The 26 PAO council members from each district serve as frontline representatives, receiving issues, inspecting on site, and summarizing findings for relevant departments to resolve problems or acknowledge local needs immediately.
. Currently, a new working group has been formed, comprising knowledgeable and capable members covering all sectors within their respective mission scopes. As Khon Kaen PAO chief, I must manage administration, monitor, and evaluate the performance of all working groups, especially management and permanent officials, with a strong legislative council to ensure the PAO’s operations effectively address all issues and meet the true needs of people across all 26 districts of Khon Kaen. .