The Department of Provincial Administration clarified the case regarding former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai's observation about the Interior Ministry's use of official positions to facilitate vote-buying in elections, affirming that no evidence of wrongdoing has been found related to these claims.
On 10 March 2026, the Department of Provincial Administration issued a news release clarifying a report aired on the Parliament's radio and television channels on 6 March. The report noted former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai’s observation concerning the Interior Ministry’s operational mechanism, from provincial governors down to subdistrict chiefs and village headmen, suggesting they might have roles and influence over local political systems and administration, including vote-buying.
The Department of Provincial Administration stated that since the royal decree dissolving the parliament on 12 December 2025, the Ministry of Interior has clearly set operational guidelines, issuing an urgent directive requiring all officials to maintain strict political neutrality. They are strictly prohibited from using state resources, official positions, or work hours to benefit any candidate or political party. Violations will result in severe disciplinary penalties.
The clarification document summarized that regarding the matters mentioned by former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, the Department of Provincial Administration has not received any complaints or found any evidence related to these claims. Therefore, these remain unsubstantiated allegations in official terms. Nevertheless, the department appreciates the raising of this issue as it reflects concern for the conduct of state officials, and it will consider these observations in setting future oversight measures.
Furthermore, the Department of Provincial Administration emphasized that if the public witnesses any facts indicating that civil servants or officials under the Ministry of Interior act without political neutrality or support any political party, they can report leads to the Election Commission, the Royal Thai Police, or the Ministry of Interior’s Damrongtham Center via hotline 1567. These reports will be investigated and may lead to the highest disciplinary and legal actions.