Suriya denies transferring the Royal Rainmaking Department director because he refused to meet his grandchild, affirming the decision was made appropriately to open opportunities for younger generations to work on grassroots problems and solutions.
On 29 April 2026, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, addressed the Cabinet's decision on 28 April 2026 to transfer Mr. Rachen Silparaya from Director-General of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department to Inspector General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Mr. Rachen revealed on the program "Deep Dive Across Thailand" that he believed the transfer stemmed from not answering a call from Suriya's grandchild, who was occupied with wildfire operation duties.
Mr. Suriya stated that society should consider whether such a minor issue warrants a transfer. Since holding political office from 2002, he has never used his power to transfer officials to cause dissatisfaction. The transfer decision was based on multiple factors, emphasizing that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives primarily serves grassroots people and requires urgent action to assist them.
He acknowledged that officials nearing retirement may not perform optimally, which influenced this transfer. Regarding the grandchild trying to contact the department director, he affirmed that if true, it would be illegal and impossible as a reason for transfer. Previously, as Minister of Transport, he stressed adherence to regulations with the Airports of Thailand executives. He confirmed that his grandchild did call to request a meeting but no further discussion occurred.
"The Ministry of Agriculture is connected to grassroots issues such as drought and wildfires. I want agile, younger workers—not older ones nearing retirement," he said.
When asked about other transfers involving officials close to retirement, Mr. Suriya replied that considerations are ongoing.
Regarding Mr. Rachen’s claim that budget proposal information for fiscal year 2027 from various agencies under the Ministry was requested during a speech in the Ratchada area, Mr. Suriya denied discussing such matters there. He pointed out that the location of political parties in Ratchada should be considered, noting that the Pheu Thai Party is not based there. He confirmed that budget information was legitimately requested because Pheu Thai had been tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, requiring alignment with party policies and the Budget Bureau’s framework. He assigned Mr. Sarawut Nueangjamnong, his secretary, to handle these talks.
Mr. Suriya expressed willingness to meet and listen to Mr. Rachen but reaffirmed that the reason for the transfer was not related to refusing his grandchild a meeting, stating this claim is untrue.