Bangkok: The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration has denied allegations of sending a Line chat message that read "Help Namngern." The denial comes amid an ongoing investigation into the financial transactions of several government officials in Phuket. The focus of the investigation has led to the transfer of five administrative officials, with the district chief understanding the situation, while the deputy governor has expressed concern.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narucha Khosasilvilai, the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration under the Ministry of Interior, addressed the controversy involving Mr. Patarapong Supakorn, known as "Lawyer Aun Buriram," and a Member of Parliament from the People's Party. The issue arose from a complaint by Mr. Rungruang Thimabut, the Deputy Governor of Phuket, who claimed that his transfer was a result of not cooperating with political work, following the leak of the message during the recent election. Mr. Khosasilvilai clarified that he did not send the message, mentioning that his LINE account is accessible across multiple devices, which could have led to someone else sending the message. However, he assured that he never authored such a message.

Mr. Khosasilvilai further emphasized his impartiality in his official duties, rejecting the allegations made by Mr. Phatthapong and Mr. Rungruang as attempts to tarnish his reputation. This situation arises after the Department of Provincial Administration suggested that the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) conduct a thorough investigation into the financial dealings of several civil servants in Phuket, linked to various target groups.

Regarding the transfer of the five administrative officials, it is clarified that the four district chiefs involved were aware of their temporary reassignment to aid in factual investigations, with a defined timeframe for their return. The dissatisfaction was primarily expressed by the Deputy Governor of Phuket.