The Cabinet resolved today (7 Jul) to transfer Piyasiri Watanawarankul from Secretary of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre to serve as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, while Pongsawat Nilayothin was appointed as an advisor to the Prime Minister.
On 7 July 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertvivattana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet approved the proposal from the Secretariat of the Prime Minister to transfer Ms. Pongsawat Nilayothin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary Office, to serve as Advisor to the Prime Minister in the civil service sector (senior executive level). Secretariat of the Prime Minister, Prime Minister's Office.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the Ministry of Justice's proposal to transfer Mr. Piyasiri Watanawarankul, Secretary of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), to serve as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, effective from the royal appointment date. Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, authorized to oversee and direct SBPAC administration, has approved the transfer, and both parties have agreed to the transfer terms.
According to reports, Ms. Pongsawat previously served as Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of State before being appointed Permanent Secretary of Justice by the Cabinet in late June 2022, completing a full four-year term. Mr. Piyasiri formerly served as Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and Director of the Financial Crime Division at the Department of Special Investigation before his March 2024 appointment as Deputy Secretary-General of SBPAC and becoming its Secretary in October 2025.
Additionally, the Cabinet made the following appointments on Tuesday, 7 July 2026:
The Cabinet approved the Minister of Public Health's proposal to appoint six senior professional civil servants under the Ministry of Public Health to expert academic positions in various agencies, as follows:
Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry
1. Dr. Theerapong Kaewphomorn appointed as Senior Medical Specialist (Preventive Medicine) at Sisaket Hospital, Sisaket Provincial Public Health Office, effective 24 March 2025.
2. Mr. Anan Kanoksin appointed as Public Health Inspector (Senior Medical Specialist) at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, effective 28 October 2025.
3. Ms. Pensri Rakwong appointed as Senior Professional Nurse (Nursing Services System) at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, effective 10 November 2025.
4. Mr. Paivit Sriphatpiriyakun appointed as Senior Medical Specialist (Surgery) in the Surgery Unit at Surat Thani Hospital, Surat Thani Provincial Public Health Office, effective 27 November 2025.
5. Ms. Hansa Rakkam appointed as Public Health Inspector (Senior Medical Specialist) at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, effective 30 January 2026.
Department of Mental Health
6. Ms. Chosita Phawasuthipaesit appointed as Senior Medical Specialist (Preventive Medicine, Community Mental Health) at Kanrajanakarin Institute, Department of Mental Health.
These appointments take effect from the date the appointees fully meet the qualifications. Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Songsak Thongsri has given his approval, effective from the royal appointment date.
The Cabinet approved the Board of Investment's proposal to appoint Ms. Uthaiwan Watanasuwakul, a senior civil servant and Director of the Competitiveness Enhancement Division at the Board of Investment, as Investment Advisor (Senior Policy and Planning Analyst) at the Board of Investment, Prime Minister's Office, effective 27 February 2026, the date she fully met the qualifications. Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas has approved the appointment, effective from the royal appointment date.
The Cabinet approved in principle the Ministry of Education's proposal to assign the Minister of Labour to act as the Minister of Education when the latter position is vacant or the minister cannot perform duties, and no deputy minister is available or able to act.
The Cabinet approved the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Office proposal to appoint nine expert members to the Government Information Committee as follows:
1. Mr. Chantanon Wannakejon
2. Professor Nantawat Bomanan
3. Professor Wutthisan Tanchai
4. Mr. Cherdsak Hirunsirisombat
5. Mr. Kamnun Sittisaman
6. Assistant Professor Suwicha Paoaree
7. Police Lieutenant Colonel Somsak Waewpanich
8. Ms. Aranya Ketkaew
9. Mr. Krithep Simlee
These appointments are effective from 7 July 2026 onwards.