Suriya responded after Thanmanat revealed that the transfer of senior officials in the Ministry of Agriculture was due to their failure to comply with financial policies rather than work performance. He insisted there were no profiteering or position trading practices, adding that since his appointment as minister, transfers have never caused problems.
At 10:00 a.m. on 21 July 2026 GMT+7, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, gave an interview at the Government House regarding Lt. Col. Thanmanat Prompao, leader of the Kla Party, who posted on Facebook criticizing the Ministry of Agriculture's civil servant transfers, stating that the moves were due to non-compliance with financial policies more than work performance (read more:“Thanmanat expresses disappointment over multiple department executive transfers, citing non-compliance with 'financial' policies more than 'work'.”) Suriya said all opinions on civil servant appointments and transfers in the ministry would be considered in his decisions, whether from Lt. Col. Thanmanat or others. He affirmed that senior civil servant appointments and transfers are conducted transparently. The authority to propose appointments lies with the Permanent Secretary, not the minister.
Suriya continued, that on 30 September, seven senior civil servants will retire, necessitating new appointments to fill their positions. He learned from the Permanent Secretary that the selection process involves a comprehensive review of integrity, dedication, work commitment, and seniority, with consultations among management, not solely the Permanent Secretary's decision. After the Permanent Secretary presented the carefully considered proposals, Suriya, as the minister, approved them and forwarded the list to the Cabinet Secretary for the Cabinet meeting.
When asked to confirm whether the transfers were based on work performance rather than financial considerations as alleged, Suriya replied, he affirmed that this appointment round involved no profiteering or position trading. Proposals came from the Permanent Secretary. Anyone with information about profiteering or differing views could submit it to relevant authorities for investigation. He welcomed transparency and was willing to explain.
Asked if this reshuffle was a purge of old factions, Suriya responded, that the ministry has 31 senior administrative positions. A purge would require removing all 31, so this was not the case. The decisions are based on knowledge and ability. He urged the media to consider that he has been in politics since the era of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, serving as minister for five years then; four years under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha; and one year each under Prime Ministers Srettha Thavisin and Paethongtarn Shinawatra, totaling 11 senior civil servant appointments without any controversy, which serves as clear evidence.
Regarding his view on Lt. Col. Thanmanat’s intentions, Suriya said Thanmanat has the right to scrutinize. After the post, he provided explanations. The opposition’s role is to oversee ministers’ work. He will clarify as needed, and regarding how many departments will see transfers, he asked to wait until after the Cabinet meeting.
