The Director of Pravet District strongly denies the 4-million baht position sale allegations, affirming that the appointment process in Bangkok strictly follows a merit-based system. He requests that no baseless accusations be made. If evidence exists, he advises filing complaints with the National Anti-Corruption Commission and is considering legal action to protect his honor and dignity, protecting both his reputation and self-respect.
On 4 June 2026, at Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha), after a meeting of Bangkok agency heads together with the Bangkok Permanent Secretary to prepare for the Bangkok governor election, reporters asked district-level administrators—including the Directors of Pravet, Bang Khen, and Min Buri Districts—for comments on claims made by Mr. Kris Potranan, a party-list Member of Parliament from the Economic Party. He publicly alleged that the appointment and transfer process of all 50 district directors involved favoritism and payments as high as 4 million baht.
Mr. Ruangsak Saisingthong, Director of Pravet District, spoke on behalf of the group, saying that he and other district directors were greatly shocked by these rumors. He said that while honest and fair opinions are the right of the public and all sectors, in this case, he affirms that the appointment process for district directors in Bangkok strictly follows all legal procedures, based primarily on knowledge, experience, performance weighting, and the individual's qualifications and suitability.
Regarding the question of whether the director position requires paying as much as 4 million baht to secure it, Mr. Ruangsak confirmed that every transfer and appointment of high-ranking officials follows clear regulations, from announcement of vacancy, formal application submission, to selection by a screening committee according to criteria, before being submitted for approval by the Bangkok governor. The entire process strictly adheres to official government procedures. “I confirm there is absolutely no money involved in interfering with or buying positions.”
Concerning the legal damage caused to the reputations of all 50 district directors, Mr. Ruangsak said that discussions and careful legal review are ongoing. If evidence of legal violations causing harm to any individual is found, they will proceed with filing formal complaints to protect their rights.
Regarding concerns that filing complaints might be seen as a gag lawsuit, Mr. Ruangsak said the interpretation is up to each person. However, from the perspective of those harmed, they have the lawful right to defend their honor and dignity. He emphasized that allegations of personal relationships or nepotism have never occurred within Bangkok’s civil service system, though all permanent officials have understandably been psychologically affected by the rumors.
The Director of Pravet added that his appearance before the media today was coincidental after the regular meeting ended. There was no special appointment, and he did not represent anyone else. He came forward to clarify as a law-abiding official defending his own rights. However, he acknowledged that the group of all 50 district directors has indeed discussed ways to respond to the situation.
However, if political factions have clear evidence of corruption or position-selling, they should follow proper channels, such as filing a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission or reporting to investigators, rather than making baseless accusations. He firmly confirmed that all Bangkok officials are overseen by the Bangkok Civil Service Commission, which ensures fair personnel management.
Regarding the "Arkong system" issue circulating in the news, he said he does not know the facts and will not comment. As a permanent official, his duty is to implement policies of all political parties in power, maintaining strict political neutrality without bias toward any side. He added that no business groups or powers have ever interfered with the work of permanent officials.