The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives confirmed that no senior ministry officials joined the Europe trip with Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat. He emphasized that every civil servant must take care of the public because they are paid with government salaries.
On 20 February 2026 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Winaroj Subsongsuk, the Permanent Secretary, addressed reports claiming that senior officials of the ministry traveled to Europe with Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat Prompao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. He said the reports were untrue and likely a misunderstanding, because all overseas trips by civil servants require prior approval from the Permanent Secretary. As of today, no one has requested permission from him. He spoke out to prevent misinformation, adding that the ministry is working fully on all matters.
Yesterday (19 Feb), we held a meeting with senior ministry officials where I stressed that everyone must work and care for the public because we are paid by taxpayers. Everything must keep the ministry moving forward; there will be no vacuum. We are working fully to ensure the public receives continuous and the best possible services. Regarding rumors suggesting that Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat and some ministry officials wanted to send a certain message, Mr. Winaroj said he is a career civil servant and would not comment on political matters. However, all civil servants have been instructed to work diligently. In the meeting, we agreed there will be no vacuum or neglect of tasks going forward. The planting season is beginning, and there are many issues to support the public, including drought and water management. Ministry agencies must plan accordingly. I have already assigned tasks to all officials, and we will meet again next week.
Mr. Winaroj also emphasized that only the Permanent Secretary convenes meetings with senior officials. The Minister currently has many duties, and if there is any instruction, it will come through him. Currently, there are no new orders. The expectation that the minister would attend a meeting today is a misunderstanding because all necessary meetings were held yesterday.
When asked about foreign missions of various departments, Mr. Winaroj said there are none at this time. If any department has obligations or commitments requiring international meetings—such as those related to the FAO or agencies dealing with plants, animals, and fisheries with scheduled deadlines—they will go as required. These are binding commitments; otherwise, we risk losing agreements made. All such foreign travels are part of routine official duties. I want to assure everyone that all overseas trips follow existing commitments and are coordinated with international agencies.