Minister Suchart is waiting to discuss with Deputy Prime Minister Songsak about senior official transfers at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. He acknowledges Pinsak as suitable for the Director-General of the Department of Fisheries because his specialized background would allow him to be more effective, but says he has not yet been approached by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
At 08:55 on 5 August 2026 at Government House, Minister Suchart Chomklin of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment spoke regarding transfers within the ministry amid rumors that Mr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, might be moved to become Director-General of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. He said the ministry is focusing on officials nearing retirement, an important group that includes three senior civil servants at the level of C10: the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation; the Deputy Permanent Secretary; and the Chief Inspector of the ministry. They will discuss with the Permanent Secretary to determine who is suitable to continue government policies, such as the Phuket model, which requires the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to reclaim park land where investors have illegally built dozens of hotels currently being demolished. On 4 August, there was also a field inspection. For other positions, he has given the officials time to work since he took office as minister, with one month left to assess those who have performed well against KPIs, demonstrate good intention, and have no corruption issues, which is crucial, while also supporting the policies of the government, minister, and permanent secretary. For other Director-General roles not yet retired, there may be rotations as appropriate.
When asked whether the retirement-related appointments would be proposed at today's Cabinet meeting, Minister Suchart said he needs to consult with Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri, who oversees the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, first. He added that appointments and transfers might also require consultation with the Prime Minister because candidates’ backgrounds and conduct must be thoroughly reviewed. He emphasized that appointments are not taken lightly and require time for vetting.
Asked if, should Deputy Prime Minister Songsak approve submitting the matter to the Cabinet for endorsement today, Minister Suchart would propose Pinsak for the Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, he replied that he still needs time to verify information on several matters and cannot answer at this time.
When pressed on whether it is now clear that Pinsak will transfer to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Minister Suchart said he only knows what the media knows and has not received any official documents. He stressed that all matters must be based on official documentation and formal approaches, not mere talk that could damage civil servants’ morale. He confirmed that no approach has been made yet.
Asked if he would approve the approach if it were made, Minister Suchart said that in government administration, if someone is suitable, knowledgeable, and can perform well, they should not be held back. They should be allowed to grow in a role better suited to their strengths. The government’s perspective is not limited to any single ministry; if the government and Prime Minister see that goals can be achieved, support should be given.
Asked about Pinsak’s capabilities between serving as Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources versus the Department of Fisheries, Minister Suchart said personally, having worked together for nearly a year, he recognizes Pinsak’s expertise in marine matters, given his direct academic background in fisheries, including knowledge about black-spotted climbing perch, marine and coastal issues, seawater, dugongs, and other marine animals. The department also involves mangrove forest management. The fisheries department covers both saltwater and freshwater aquatic animals. Comparing the two, Pinsak is capable of performing well. Minister Suchart has relied on Pinsak for many matters. When asked if Pinsak would perform better as Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, Minister Suchart said that if Pinsak has authority and knowledge to do more, that would be better.
Minister Suchart said that considering qualifications for other positions of officials retiring, it is necessary to evaluate who will develop the agency and respond to opposition questions. Regarding overall work and budgets, he does not interfere but leaves it to the Directors-General and Permanent Secretary to explain or set budgets suitable for each area. His role is to provide management frameworks, emphasizing budget honesty, maximum benefit, and traceability. This is the policy he gives. He understands that civil servants do not hold their positions as personal property or family inheritance but earn them through knowledge and capability in their work.