Anutin is resetting the Ministry of Interior with a major purge of senior officials at Khlong Lod in August. This involves elevating deputy permanent secretaries, directors-general, provincial governors, and inspectors in a broad reshuffle to dismantle the Black Lion and Red Lion factions, based on seniority, capability, and experience. Newly appointed provincial governors must support local business and economic development.
On 30 August 2026, a source from the Ministry of Interior revealed that due to accumulated problems within the ministry—particularly cases of corruption in local civil service selection exams, land encroachment by influential investors and power brokers in Phuket, and crimes related to using Thai nominees to hold shares or conduct business on behalf of foreigners— “nominees” as well as ongoing issues with crime, narcotics, entertainment venues, service establishments, and human trafficking,
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul decided to proceed with a major reset of the Ministry of Interior this August.
This move followed Anutin convening a meeting with ministry executives at the Ministry of Interior on 28 August, where he emphasized the corruption in local civil service exams that had damaged the ministry’s reputation. He declared he did not want the public to call the Ministry of Interior the “Ministry of Fraud” and intends to use his dual role as Prime Minister and Minister of Interior to push forward work that delivers tangible benefits to the public beyond previous governments.
A source said the first task in August will be a large-scale transfer of senior civil servants including deputy permanent secretaries, directors-general, ministry inspectors, provincial governors, and deputy provincial governors.
Anutin’s policy aims to transcend the “Black Lion” and “Red Lion” factions, as well as all other groups and colors within the ministry, so that all civil servants adhere to the principle of “relieving suffering, promoting happiness,” serving the public as their highest goal, while dismantling factional and political group divisions in administration.
Those nominated for transfer or appointment in this round will be evaluated primarily on seniority, experience, competence, and a clean service record. Especially, provincial governors must support business operations and be key drivers of economic development in their provinces.
A high-level source further revealed that Anutin will closely consult with the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior to prepare the transfer appointment list. In fiscal year 2026, 18 senior executives will retire.
These include 1. Santi Thon Yimlamai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior,
2. Pornphot Penpas, Director-General of the Department of Lands,
3. Phongnara Yenying, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning,
4. Nattawat Wiriyanapaporn, Inspector of the Ministry of Interior; Sompop Samitasiri,
5. Inspector of the Ministry of Interior,
6. Khajornkiat Rakpanichmanee, Governor of Khon Kaen Province,
7. Chusak Ruying, Governor of Tak Province,
8. Chutiporn Setchang, Governor of Nakhon Sawan Province,
9. Sitthichai Sawatsaen, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province,
10. Weeraphan De-on, Governor of Prachinburi Province,
11. Patimoh Sadeyamu, Governor of Pattani Province,
12. Somchai Lertprasitpan, Governor of Phrae Province,
13. Chanchai Sonsriwichai, Governor of Yasothon Province,
14. Kongsakol Jantrarach, Governor of Yala Province,
15. Prinya Phothsath, Governor of Sa Kaeo Province,
16. Nathi Montriwat, Governor of Ang Thong Province,
17. Rachan Soonhua, Governor of Udon Thani Province,
18. Sombat Traisak, Governor of Uthai Thani Province.
Additionally, there are 24 vacant junior executive positions, including one deputy director-general at the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning and 23 deputy provincial governor positions.
Attention is now on the upcoming cabinet meeting to see whether the Minister of Interior will begin submitting the senior civil servant transfer appointment list for approval.
