Profile of Rungreung Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Clerk and former Outstanding Civil Servant of 2020, who has continuously faced allegations.
On 25 Jun 2026, following a letter from the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior, to the Governor of Phuket, Mr. Rungreung Thimabut was ordered to return to his original post after completing his central assignment and the department's fact-finding investigation.
Thairath Online revisits the profile of Mr. Rungreung, Phuket Provincial Clerk and civil servant specializing in drug suppression, who received the Outstanding Civil Servant (Golden Garuda Award) in 2020.
Education and Career Path
Mr. Rungreung holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Political Science and Public Administration from Ramkhamhaeng University.
Career path: He advanced through administrative roles, serving as district chief in several areas including La-oso Kok, Su-ngai Padi, Su-ngai Kolok, assistant secretary to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, district chief of Na Klang, and ultimately Phuket Provincial Clerk.
Achievements and Awards
- Outstanding Civil Servant (Golden Garuda Award) in 2020
- Distinguished individual in drug prevention awarded by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board in 2018
- Commendation as Diamond Ring District Chief in 2022
- Model for establishing the "District Chief's Sons" camp for drug rehabilitation
His civil service career faced three major allegations.
- In 2022, the Anti-Money Laundering Office seized assets linked to drug network leader Mr. Sam Waedao, including 18 firearms licensed by Mr. Rungreung during his tenure as district chief of Su-ngai Kolok; photos showed them in friendly poses. Mr. Rungreung explained the photos were from a community football event, denying personal closeness, and stated he had revoked Mr. Sam's firearm licenses prior to the arrest, clearing his name.
- In 2025, he was investigated on two disciplinary issues: negligent issuance of 26 firearm licenses to Mr. Sam and financial transfers connected to an online gambling network involving associated accounts.
- The investigation committee concluded the case as mere "neglect and lack of supervision," a minor disciplinary violation (not corruption), resulting in a 2% salary cut for three months.
- On 20 May 2026, shortly after becoming Phuket Provincial Clerk, Mr. Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, ordered Mr. Rungreung and four other administrative officials to be transferred to central service pending an investigation into allegations of extorting benefits or "protection fees" from entertainment venues in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district, Phuket.
Subsequently, Phattharaphong Suphakorn, also known as Lawyer Aun Buriram, released a screenshot of a LINE chat allegedly between senior Ministry of Interior officials and local civil servants before the election, containing a brief message saying “Help Nam Nguen,” which was later confirmed to have been sent by Mr. Rungreung.
- On 25 Jun 2026, Mr. Winai Tocharoen, Deputy Director-General acting as Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, ordered Mr. Rungreung to resume his duties as Phuket Provincial Clerk after completing his assignment period, although the investigation committee has yet to conclude the case involving allegations against him and the other five officials.