Ruttaphol explained the appointment of Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya Raksakul as Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), denying it was a reward related to the Senate rigging case, and affirmed the decision was based on suitability and performance over the past two years. He revealed the transfer of Police Lieutenant Colonel Yutthana Paerdam to the Prime Minister's Office, where he holds a higher position.
22 Sep 2026 GMT+7 Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, spoke at the Government House regarding the case where the Cabinet resolved to appoint Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya Raksakul as Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). He said the Cabinet also decided that Police Lieutenant Colonel Yutthana Paerdam would serve as a Special Expert, equivalent to level 11, which is a higher rank. This level is comparable to that of a Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, also at level 11. To my knowledge, about 25 to 30 people in Thailand have been transferred to the Prime Minister's Office.
Regarding whether this personnel move is politically motivated, Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphol confirmed it is not, stating it is simply a promotion. Looking at the records of the 15 previous DSI Director-Generals, they usually serve about one to two years. Thus, he confirmed this is a promotion equivalent to a Permanent Secretary.
Regarding the opposition's allegation that this transfer relates to the Senate rigging case, Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphol denied any connection. He emphasized that promotions are unlikely connected to the Senate, noting that during his two terms of about one year, he never made such transfers. All agencies follow legal procedures. He also cited that Police Lieutenant Colonel Yutthana served as DSI Director-General for about one year and eight months before this promotion, which is consistent with procedural transfers to higher positions.
When reporters raised concerns that the new DSI Director-General had been photographed paying respects to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul after the Senate rigging case decision, Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphol said that while paying respects is one thing, the appointment of Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya is a matter for the Permanent Secretary, who must consider suitability. Among personnel with DSI experience are two individuals: Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya and the Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), who both have relevant experience. He acknowledged that the C10 position is under the Permanent Secretary's authority, while the C11 position falls under the minister's responsibility.
On concerns that this move might be a purge of former factions within the DSI, the Minister of Justice stated it is not speculation. The Permanent Secretary must base decisions on data. The Ministry of Justice's personnel transfers are reviewed based on performance over the past two years. For those at the director level and above, a two-year performance record is required. He reiterated that this is not a reward related to the Senate rigging case but a suitability-based decision, noting that the appointee previously worked at the DSI.