The Prime Minister said he will not intervene in the case involving former high-ranking Interior Ministry officials Chaiwat and Narucha, who plan to sue the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry after the Integrity Protection Committee ruled their transfers unlawful. He said this should be left to those involved and that he is no longer the mediator.
On 9 May 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul commented on the Integrity Protection Committee's majority decision regarding former Interior Minister Phumtham Vejchayachai and Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry Arsit Sampantharat transferring former Department of Provincial Administration Director-General Chaiwat Junthirapong and former Department of Local Administration Director-General Narucha Kosavisivilai unlawfully. He was asked whether this, and the two men’s plan to sue the Permanent Secretary, would affect ministry operations. He said it would not affect anything at all; the matter involves discretionary decisions and is handled by the independent Integrity Protection Committee. Whatever the committee decides, the affected parties can follow the proper procedures. There is nothing that will impact work within the Interior Ministry.
"Simply put, I am not involved. I remain the Minister of Interior, so everyone must follow policies and directives aimed at alleviating suffering and promoting the well-being of the people. That is the only relevant matter," Anutin said.
When asked if the Prime Minister would act as a mediator for the three men, he replied that at his age, if he were a glue, it would be expired glue. This is a matter for the individuals involved. If he intervened, it would become a work issue and be seen as interference. If that happens, he would be accused of meddling, which he wants to avoid. He does not want to become a new member of that situation.