The Parliamentary Committee on Political Development is investigating the 'Help Namngern' Line chat issue. The former Phuket Permanent Secretary claims he could not refuse orders from his superior but did not follow through. Meanwhile, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration hesitates and does not confirm whether the Line account belongs to Narucha.
On 11 June 2026 at the Parliament, the Parliamentary Committee on Political Development, Mass Communication, and Public Participation of the House of Representatives convened. Ms. Phakamon Noon-anun, a party-list MP from the Prachachon Party, chaired the meeting to examine the conduct of the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration concerning the Line chat requesting help for Namngern during the elections. The committee invited Mr. Narucha Khosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, to provide clarification. However, Narucha delegated Mr. Winai Tocharoen, Deputy Director-General, to explain on his behalf. Ms. Phakamon stated at the committee meeting that any answers given by Mr. Winai would be considered as Narucha’s responses.
Subsequently, Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut, Phuket Permanent Secretary, who revealed the 'Help Namngern' Line chat from the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, explained to the committee that although he is a low-ranking official, he would not fabricate false evidence because he has no intention to accuse the government or any political party. The matter is personal between him and the Director-General. The phrase 'Help Namngern' and his reply '100% yes, sir' were because he could not refuse orders from a superior. Anyone subordinate must respond that way. However, in reality, he did not dare to help anyone because he did not know anyone in Phuket province, having just been transferred there. He affirmed that no assistance was provided, and although he accepted the order, he did not act on it.
He viewed 'help Namngern' as an order. Sometimes government orders are given verbally without written commands. The committee then questioned why he disclosed the Line chat now and whether he would have revealed it had he not been transferred. Mr. Rungrueng replied that he wanted to reveal it earlier but was still gathering evidence. Later, Ms. Phakamon asked Mr. Winai about the Director-General's denial that the Line message was his personal account, claiming instead it was a public Line account.
Mr. Winai explained that, according to protocol, superiors and subordinates must communicate via Line. He acknowledged some conversations took place but said he had not communicated with the Director-General via Line for several months, mostly receiving orders in meetings. He affirmed that the Director-General never issued official orders via Line. He did not know if the Director-General’s Line account was the same one used to order the Phuket Permanent Secretary. Mr. Winai also insisted that all provincial administrative officials strictly adhere to political neutrality and legal regulations during elections. The Department of Provincial Administration has never conducted polls and on election day supported election officials to ensure smooth operations. Complaints about neutrality violations were minimal. The establishment of investigation committees for fact-finding and disciplinary action is under the Ministry of Interior's authority. Currently, no investigation committee has been formed; the matter is under clarification between the Director-General, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Minister of Interior.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chanon Kaensawat, Senior Legal Officer at the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC), explained that this is a complaint that remains unclear and requires an investigation process. If found valid, disciplinary action will follow for political partiality and violating Prime Minister's Office regulations forbidding officials from supporting election campaigns. The phrase 'help Namngern' must be considered within its context, but officials must remain neutral and observe political etiquette. The investigation committee will weigh both sides like a court case. If the superior does not establish an investigation committee, it would be a disciplinary offense.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chonnaphat Naksua, Songkhla MP from the Kla Party and committee member, said he urges the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration to demonstrate that action is being taken. Whether the punishment is minor or severe is not a concern; wrongdoers should be prosecuted according to the law regardless of the outcome. He believes Thai society will accept this. He supports justice but asks that no harassment occur; decisions should be based on facts. Mr. Wara Janmanee, committee advisor, argued the investigation results are serious and violations by officials require strict scrutiny and punishment. Mr. Chonnaphat responded that while he understands the seriousness, sometimes progress is hindered and agencies need space to continue working. He believes no one dares to be above the law.