The Interior Ministry is in turmoil as Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul questions the whereabouts of "Deputy Seafood" following social media revelations about plans to transfer the Phuket governor. He criticized those making such statements as foolish, emphasizing that the Interior Minister himself sits firmly in his seat and questioning how anyone could remove the Phuket governor. An investigation into the Permanent Secretary is also planned, while Deputy Governor "Shrimp" requests to submit a letter of explanation for clarification on the matter.
At 09:00 on 15 June 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, led senior executives of the Interior Ministry to sign a condolence book before the portrait of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Thepiyawadi, Princess Rajasarinisiri Patchra, Maha Vajraratchathida, in the main hall of the Ministry of Interior building.
Later, at 10:00 at the Ministry of Interior headquarters, during a policy briefing by Prime Minister Anutin, Mr. Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, Governor of Phuket Province, reported on the situation concerning influential figures in the Phuket area. After his report, the Prime Minister asked via teleconference, “Who is going to remove you?” The Phuket governor simply replied, “Only the Prime Minister can transfer me.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Atsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, added that a provincial governor acts like the prime minister in that area, and any problems arising must be resolved by him. Especially when posts on social media criticize the government’s handling of gray-zone groups, the governor must act quickly and attentively, maintaining prestige and addressing misinformation to avoid affecting the government and the prime minister. Rising to a governor position requires building a capable team, and any obstacles should be reported to the ministry.
The Prime Minister read aloud several social media posts alleging, "Behind the Cherng Talay police station, a close associate of the deputy governor is encroaching," "This explains why power is so jealously guarded, like a dog guarding its bowl, invaded by the deputy’s team," "Questions arise about the deputy governor’s close associates encroaching on the beach — do they think the public won’t notice the vested interests?" and even "Deputy Seafood boasts about moving the Phuket governor, measuring who will go first between the governor and deputy, and whose backing is stronger." The Prime Minister stated he did not believe these claims but acknowledged that where there is smoke, there must be fire. He reiterated his policy to suppress influential figures and questioned how insiders could point fingers at others when three fingers point back at themselves, calling such behavior shameful.
. Then the Prime Minister asked if "Deputy Seafood" was present at the meeting and if anyone had seen him, stating he did not know the person. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior then asked again about "Deputy Seafood," saying there are always rumors and asked how the individual feels about them and the impact on the province. If nothing has been done, he invited explanations, assuring that the Prime Minister is ready to listen. The Permanent Secretary repeatedly inquired about "Deputy Seafood" and asked the Phuket governor whether all deputy governors were present at the meeting. The governor replied, “All are present.” He then requested that the Permanent Secretary establish a ministerial-level committee to investigate the facts fairly for all parties involved.
The Prime Minister further stated he is open to receiving reports, clarifying that he is not accusing "Deputy Seafood" of wrongdoing but is collecting information to establish the facts. He then asked "Deputy Seafood" who he would approach to request the transfer of the governor, since such matters require Cabinet approval. The Permanent Secretary asked again about the deputy governor whose name is a sea creature, and the Prime Minister interjected, “Is it Shrimp?” Deputy Governor Shrimp clarified in the meeting that he shares his nickname with another deputy governor and that regarding the circulating rumors, he would like to submit documentation to the Prime Minister because multiple persons are involved.
The Prime Minister asked Deputy Governor Shrimp to send a letter to the Permanent Secretary and reiterated, "What could a deputy governor possibly use to remove a governor? Talking about this is like air." “Those who say such things are utterly foolish. How could anyone remove a provincial governor? The Interior Minister sits firmly here. How would anyone remove him? I am curious. Or would someone remove the Interior Minister himself? Such talk is embarrassing. We are civil servants, and this is a personnel management failure. I will personally investigate the Permanent Secretary myself.”
At the end, the Prime Minister also stated that the most alarming issue is when state officials participate in or support illegal actions, which must not occur in the Ministry of Interior.
After the meeting, Prime Minister Anutin said there was no tense atmosphere during the session but stressed that related agencies must strictly and decisively suppress gangsters and influential groups. Although some legal actions have been taken, the problem remains, and witnesses have been intimidated to retract their statements out of fear of these groups’ influence. Therefore, he urged the Phuket governor to take full and urgent action.
Regarding rumors of conflict between the Phuket governor and deputy governors, Anutin confirmed there is no problem. The Permanent Secretary will handle all matters appropriately without allowing any personal issues to hinder official work.
Anutin also addressed reports claiming a deputy governor can threaten to transfer the governor, stating this is untrue. The authority to propose a governor’s transfer lies with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and must be approved by the Minister of Interior before submission to the Cabinet. He urged the public not to believe or give weight to such rumors. He added that any deputy governor claiming authority over a governor or the power to transfer him is "laughably absurd."
Regarding progress on the fact-finding committee investigating the leaked chat message "Help the Blue," from the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Anutin said everything is proceeding according to standard procedures.
