Chaiyanat mocks the transfer of Phuket's governor and deputy governor as a superficial fix, urging the executive branch to use its power to suppress influential figures, likening the transfers to a monkey show that deceives the public.
At 11:30 a.m. on 18 June 2026 at the parliament, Chaiyanat Dechdecho, a party-list MP from the Democrat Party, spoke about the transfers of Phuket's governor and deputy governor. He urged the Prime Minister to urgently address the problem of influential figures at Freedom Beach and elsewhere in Phuket directly, because transferring officials is only a superficial measure. The root cause the government must tackle is to thoroughly investigate and strictly enforce the law against those influential individuals. Although land titles for two plots totaling 15 rai at Freedom Beach were revoked, benefits are still being collected from that beach, which is contradictory. The Prime Minister must investigate which state officials are involved and whether the relevant government agencies have thoroughly examined complaints about these influential persons. He emphasized that investigations should not only focus on criminal law violations but also on financial trails, money laundering, and the legitimacy of asset acquisitions.
Urges use of authority to suppress influential figures
"The transfer of governors and deputy governors is not a punishment. The position of governor requires Cabinet approval. Transfers to director-general or deputy permanent secretary positions are on the same administrative level. Moving a deputy governor from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat is also a lateral move. However, transferring a deputy governor to an inspector general position clearly sidelines them without assigned duties. Transfers between provinces retain the same administrative responsibilities. The Prime Minister should address the issue directly: the suppression of influential figures. Since a People's Party MP revealed threats and death threats, has this been dealt with?" ."
Chaiyanat also said that regarding land encroachment by influential persons, have those involved been addressed? This is a more critical issue than transferring officials. If he were a member of the relevant committees—whether police, National Anti-Corruption Commission, or Anti-Money Laundering Office—he would investigate because the matter involves threats to the lives of MPs, national representatives of the people. Whether local or national representatives, all are important. If no action is taken, it would be unacceptable. The Prime Minister has the power to verify who has communicated with which leading politicians. The facts should be verified before transferring officials.
Compares transfers to a monkey show
When asked whether the transfers were just for show, Chaiyanat said he did not dare to say it was purely for image but described it as a short film, like free content on social media. "I therefore call it a monkey show transfer deceiving the public. That is all I see. This is not a genuine crackdown on local influence. If transferring governors and deputy governors is called a crackdown on influence, does that mean they themselves are the influential figures? Influential figures are not regular officials but individuals identified by the People's Party MP who has been threatened with death when submitting a petition. Yet the Prime Minister ignored them. No life—whether government MPs or opposition MPs—should face such threats because they are fulfilling their roles as representatives of the people." Chaiyanat stated.