Documents reveal the investigation into Phuket Provincial Secretary Mr. Rungrueang Thimabut concerning the issuance of 26 gun licenses and links to an online gambling network. The case concluded with a minor disciplinary penalty of only a 2% salary deduction before he was recently suspended by the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration over extortion allegations in Patong.
On 23 May 2026, reports from a memorandum dated 7 July 2025 from the Ministry of Interior concerning a civil servant accused of serious disciplinary violations detailed that Mr. Rungrueang Thimabut, then serving as District Chief Executive (Senior Director) in Su-ngai Kolok District, Narathiwat Province, was accused of serious disciplinary offenses in two cases: the issuance of firearms licenses and connections to an online gambling network.
The document states that Mr. Rungrueang, in his capacity as local registrar, issued permits to possess and use firearms (Form Por 4) to Mr. Sam Waedao, totaling 26 guns, without thoroughly verifying criminal records, income documents, assets, and certificates of good conduct. Subsequently, it was found that Mr. Sam was involved in drug-related activities.
Furthermore, the investigation mentioned financial transactions linked to the online gambling case, indicating that bank accounts and phones associated with Mr. Rungrueang were used to receive transfers amounting to several million baht from the online gambling network. Although he denied knowledge of his subordinates’ actions, the committee concluded that he was negligent, damaging the government’s image and credibility.
Based on these facts, Mr. Rungrueang Thimabut was found to have violated regulations in a non-serious disciplinary manner by failing to perform official duties according to laws, government rules, Cabinet resolutions, government policies, and official procedures, as well as by failing to preserve his reputation and the dignity of his position under Sections 83(2) and (10) in conjunction with Section 84 of the Civil Service Act of 2008. The authority for disciplinary action and penalty lies with the Provincial Governor as delegated under Ministry of Interior Order No. 251/2565 dated 27 January 2022. It was therefore recommended to proceed accordingly.
The penalty imposed was a 2% salary deduction for three months, as recommended by the investigative committee. The disciplinary action report was forwarded to the Subcommittee on Civil Servants of the Ministry of Interior for further consideration under Section 103 of the Civil Service Act of 2008. Notification of this penalty was also sent to the Governor of Nong Bua Lamphu Province for relevant follow-up actions.
The document was signed with recommendations by Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, then Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration and currently Governor of Phuket Province.
Previously, on 20 May 2026, Mr. Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior, issued an urgent order for Mr. Rungrueang Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Secretary, along with five other administrative officers in Phuket, to assist in government duties in Bangkok following complaints about extortion involving entertainment venues in Patong, Phuket. The matter is currently under further fact-finding investigation.