The Ministry of Interior is in turmoil as political power consolidation unfolds between the 'Red Lions' and 'Buriram Lions,' queuing up to rise and testing the strength of old power bases in a long political game of shifting alliances and sides.
Since Anutin Charnvirakul ascended to the top position last term, the Ministry of Interior has experienced multiple shakes and transfers across various posts. Recently, a major upheaval struck the deputy governor seat of Phuket Province, with immediate changes in five positions after the Prime Minister inquired about the 'Seafood Deputy' issue raised in a provincial meeting. Subsequently, a sudden order transferred two Phuket deputy governors: "Theerapong Chuaychu" to Nakhon Si Thammarat and "Adul Chuthong" to Songkhla, part of a five-position exchange. This is not the first time the blue political faction has shaken up the Ministry of Interior.
The shake-up reached the grassroots level of the Ministry of Interior under Anutin's government. Observers see this not just as clearing out old powers but as a long-term game by the Bhumjaithai Party. Thairath Online's special team interviewed Dr. Satithorn Thananishichot, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, who analyzed that since Bhumjaithai returned to government, the 'Red Lions' and 'Buriram Lions' factions have begun rising to key positions. Previously, since the coup, the 'Black Lions' faction dominated the ministry's important roles. Today, the only survivor is the Permanent Secretary of the Interior, while others must carefully navigate their positions.
Currently, power consolidation in the Ministry of Interior remains a compromise. Bhumjaithai's power base consists of the 'Red Lions' and 'Buriram Lions,' while the 'Black Lions' are connected to the old regime. The new power group cannot completely reset the ministry's personnel, unlike during Saksayam Chidchob's era when changes were swift after he became minister.
The Prime Minister's stance during a meeting with governors in Phuket before the deputy governors' transfers showed his firm position, according to Dr. Satithorn. Previously, issues arose regarding foreign mafia problems in the area, leading to the provincial secretary's transfer. Then leaked LINE chats revealed debates about 'helping the blue side.' When these issues were brought up at the Prime Minister's meeting in Phuket, swift transfer orders followed.
The reshuffle in the Ministry of Interior may cause some disruption. Each faction holds strong positions, preventing any side from fully clearing the board. Some individuals formerly aligned with the old power group have adapted politically and managed to maintain their roles, as the political forces cannot fully oust them.
For example, the Phuket governor is from the 'Black Lions' faction but rose to power with support from the Pheu Thai Party. He is currently trying to maintain his position. The Prime Minister acts as a bridge among the ministry's power groups, but notably, no one dares to completely oust others this time.
Dr. Satithorn analyzed that Bhumjaithai typically places its people in key posts regardless of the ministry, employing a long-term strategic game as a main political tool. Within just two months of entering the Ministry of Interior, they have consolidated power, aligning state mechanisms with political interests.
Furthermore, the current power base positioning in the Ministry of Interior suggests the blue faction will maintain political strength longer than before. If the ministry remains under Bhumjaithai control in the next election, its power may further solidify.
"The blue faction's approach is to invest in the future, which career civil servants appreciate because it means serious, consistent support—not temporary favors that are later abandoned. They have established power bases from district levels upward. Similarly, in other ministries where they have networks, they place people from director to department head levels accordingly."
From a political perspective, this may be a move to gain advantage, but one must remember that civil servants' primary duty is public service. They must enhance their capacity to assist citizens, not merely serve as political networks. The Ministry of Interior's local mechanisms have weakened somewhat, while some officials focus excessively on personal career growth. For example, provincial governors transferred after only six months cannot produce noticeable results for locals, though ideally, they should stay for one to two years. This is an issue Prime Minister Anutin must address by strengthening foundational work for the public.