Bangkok: Authorities have firmly denied allegations that the arrest of the Phuket Deputy Governor was a fabricated attempt to silence him following the scandalous "Help Nam Ngern" chat. The controversy has prompted a call for cooperation in the ongoing investigation to uphold the dignity of the Ministry of Interior.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachawi addressed the arrest of Phuket Provincial Permanent Secretary Rungruang Thimabutr by the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division (ACMSD). The arrest is linked to accusations of accepting bribes related to local government civil service examinations, aligning with the judicial process. Phonphir emphasized that the case, involving influential figures and bribery in Phuket, is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Provincial Administration. Delays in the investigation were attributed to Mr. Rungruang's extended leave of absence.
Phonphir clarified that sending the official back to his original unit during the investigation does not imply innocence. The investigation is ongoing, with results anticipated soon. Addressing the need for coordination to bring in the Phuket Provincial Deputy Governor for questioning, Phonphir reiterated that the arrest stems from allegations of corruption in local government exams. The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration is tasked with further investigation to clarify the case specifics.
Phonphir urged the Deputy Governor to cooperate with the investigation and provide necessary information to prevent future incidents. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the Ministry of Interior's integrity and the need for civil servants to act in the public's best interest. Despite suspicions that the case might be fabricated to cover up leaked chat messages, Phonphir dismissed such claims, noting the relevance of local government exams conducted in previous years.
The investigation aims to determine whether the Deputy Governor was aware of the issues and failed to inform the department or take preventative measures. Phonphir highlighted the crucial role of local personnel in enhancing the civil service system and urged them to report issues to ensure transparency and accountability within the Ministry of Interior.