Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul deferred to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior following the transfer orders for two deputy governors of Phuket province. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampanrat declined to answer media questions, hinting at reports that several ministers were reprimanded over handling influential local figures in their respective areas.
At 10:00 a.m. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired the Cabinet meeting at Government House. Prior to the meeting, Anutin held an internal discussion with ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party in the Thai Khu Fah building, requesting that each minister's entourage wait outside.
Furthermore, there are reports that several ministers were reprimanded for their handling of influential local figures in their areas. This is particularly the case in Phuket, where on 15 June 2026, during a policy briefing for heads of departments of the Ministry of Interior, the Prime Minister criticized the management of influential local figures, which led to orders transferring five deputy provincial governors (read more: Urgent: Ministry of Interior issues transfer orders for two deputy governors of Phuket, including a reshuffle of five positions effective 16 June. ) When reporters asked about the transfer of Phuket’s deputy governors, the Prime Minister briefly replied, “Please ask the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.”
Meanwhile, reporters attempted to question Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampanrat about the issue, but he refused to give an interview. He then immediately followed the Prime Minister into the Cabinet meeting.
Additional reports state that three ministers notified their absence from today’s Cabinet meeting: 1. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (currently on an overseas mission); 2. Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence; and 3. Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice.