Bangkok: "Nirat" is preparing to transition to the role of Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and has committed to accelerating reforms within the National Statistical Office. Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, who is currently serving as the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Acting Director-General of the Department of Local Administration (DLA), has accepted the appointment to lead the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). He acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead and emphasizes the need to resolve outstanding issues at the DDPM before taking on his new responsibilities.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nirat expressed that he was not pre-informed about his new role but respects the decision made by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. Despite the unexpected nature of the appointment, Mr. Nirat has affirmed his readiness to fulfill the mission of the DDPM.

In addressing his current responsibilities at the Department of Local Administration, Mr. Nirat outlined the ongoing efforts to investigate corruption among local government officials. The initial focus is on managing the official ledger, ensuring accurate records, and communicating these to the relevant provincial and municipal bodies. This will involve revoking the appointments of officials who did not meet the required standards. Furthermore, Mr. Nirat highlighted the necessity for internal restructuring within the DLA, recognizing that significant work remains in preparation for the transition to a new director-general. While acknowledging the difficulty of completing these tasks before his transfer, Mr. Nirat is committed to achieving the most effective outcomes possible.