Suriya denounces distorted reports accusing his nephew of lobbying for jobs, emphasizes that the transfer of department heads aims to improve efficiency, and warns of legal action if defamation persists. He stresses that anyone who considers the transfers unfair can exercise their right to pursue legal action against it.
On 30 April 2026, Mr. Suriya Jungroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, held a press conference to clarify the issue of department head transfers and rebut allegations that his nephew attempted to lobby for jobs or solicit benefits, firmly denying these claims as completely untrue and contrary to the facts.
Suriya stated that based on the available information, his nephew has never met with any department head even once. Therefore, any claims that he went to "lobby for jobs" or is involved with large sums of money as reported in the news are inconsistent with the facts. "If they haven't even met, how could they know what was being requested?" Suriya urged the media to present comprehensive information so the public understands that he adheres to transparency in his work.
He acknowledged that his nephew did attempt to make contact.
The Agriculture Minister added that after the rumors surfaced, he asked his nephew, who admitted to having tried to make contact during 2025 and afterward but was never granted a meeting because the other party did not allow it. On some occasions, appointments were even canceled due to concerns about credibility.
He affirmed that this issue is unrelated to ministry work.
Suriya emphasized that this matter concerns his nephew's personal actions and is not connected to him or his work at the ministry in any way. "Each person has their own business and it is not connected, even though we are family." Regarding the department head transfers, Suriya reiterated that these were administrative decisions made to enhance the efficiency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives amid a situation where the agricultural sector faces falling product prices. There is a need for leadership with energy and readiness to drive policies forward.
He stressed that in over 30 years, he has never been accused of unfair transfers.
Regarding criticism that the transfers were unfair to civil servants near retirement, Suriya stated that throughout his more than 30-year political career, he has never been accused of unfair transfers. He confirmed that this decision had no political motivation or personal conflicts.
He threatened legal action if accusations continue.
He also denied rumors linking the issue to local politics or family members running for election, saying he was unaware of the details and that these were unrelated to the transfer decisions. Regarding documents or information circulated claiming he could not support political policies, Suriya said that if these are false, they damage his reputation and he plans to take legal action. "If the false accusations continue, I will have no choice but to sue. Anyone who believes the transfers are unfair can also exercise their right to take legal action."
Suriya confirmed that his management is based on professionalism and believes that all civil servants are ready to work according to policies beneficial to the public, regardless of political affiliations.