Surasak denied rumors about replacing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, stating that transfers will only be made to fill positions vacated by retirement. He praised Natreeya as a seasoned insider from the Prime Minister's Office with strong knowledge of the work.
At 10:00 a.m. on 25 August 2026 at Government House, Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said in an interview before the Cabinet meeting that there was no proposal for appointments or transfers in the Ministry of Tourism at today's Cabinet meeting. This is because they are still considering the deputy permanent secretary and inspector general positions that will be vacant due to retirement. He confirmed that consideration will be only to replace those retiring.
When asked about rumors of transferring Natreeya Taweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, to become Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, Surasak said he saw news mentioning several ministries' permanent secretaries and advised asking the Minister of Tourism directly. He confirmed there is no such matter yet, as the authority to transfer permanent secretaries lies directly with the minister. The rumor said Natreeya once worked at the Prime Minister's Office, which is correct, but she left long ago and has since become knowledgeable about the Ministry of Tourism's work. There has been no consideration of appointing a new permanent secretary, and Natreeya is scheduled to retire next year. He confirmed that no agency has requested this transfer but praised Natreeya as capable. If she returned to the Prime Minister's Office, she would already know everyone there since she grew up in that office, but he emphasized there has been no request for her transfer.