Phuket: Five Phuket administrative officials were dismissed after business operators took a stand against allegations of bribery. The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration has ordered five officials to be immediately transferred to other duties to prevent tampering with evidence, following protests by entertainment venue operators in Patong, Phuket, against bribery and demands that the government address the issues of licenses and extortion. This action aligns with Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy to crack down on influential figures in the entertainment industry.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narucha Khosasilvilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, issued Department of Provincial Administration Order No. 1512/2569 concerning the assignment of civil servants to assist in official duties. The order states that, following information circulating on social media regarding complaints from citizens and representatives of entertainment venue operators in Phuket Province, which may affect the image of the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Provincial Administration, as well as public confidence in government agencies, the officials have been reassigned.

For the benefit of the government, and to expedite the fact-finding process, ensure fairness to all parties, and minimize the impact of the situation in the area, pursuant to the authority granted by Section 32 of the Administrative Procedure Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and its amendments, an order is hereby issued to assign five government officials to assist in official duties at the Department of Provincial Administration on a permanent basis from May 25 to June 24, 2026.

Mr. Rungruang Thimabut, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, is reassigned to the College of Local Administration, Department of Local Administration, to provide advice on training, monitoring, and evaluating the development of civil servants and other staff. Mr. Siwat Rawangkul, District Chief of Phuket City, will assist in duties at the Local Administration Bureau, advising on local administration and development.

Ms. Wilailak Ruangphol, District Chief of Thalang, will focus on policy recommendations and performance evaluation at the Academic and Planning Division. Mr. Akkarapol Sutthirak Jitsupap, District Chief of Kathu, is now assisting at the Communication Division to enhance communication between different administrative levels. Mr. Danai Sukskul, Phuket Provincial Defense Officer, will be responsible for public relations at the Secretariat Office.

Reporters indicate the reassignment intends to prevent the five officials from interfering with evidence. This decision followed a protest by business owners and employees of entertainment venues in Soi Bangla, Patong Beach, Kathu District, who oppose extortion and bribery by government officials. They also demanded that relevant agencies expedite the resolution of business licensing issues and ensure fairness for business owners in the area.

This move corresponds with the visit of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul to Phuket on May 10th, aimed at addressing the issue of influential figures encroaching on public land at Freedom Beach and promoting a systematic solution to these problems.