Governors’ transfers ‘for the best’ after public criticism, says Anupong
A CABINET decision on Tuesday to transfer Chon Buri and Nonthaburi governors to the PM’s Office was the best solution that shows the government cares about public sentiment, said Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda.
Chon Buri governor Phakrathorn Thianchai and Nonthaburi governor Panu Yaensri will work at the PM’s Office indefinitely, without being totally cut off from their previous positions, while their most-senior deputy governors would serve as acting governors, Anupong said.
The transfer took place although previous fact-finding probes had found Phakrathorn and Panu were not at fault, he said.
“We listened to the public members’ concerns and civil servants are to serve the public, so [the transfer] was to allow work [at the two provinces] to progress smoothly, so it is for the best,” he said.
The two governors were transferred following heavy criticism on reported flaws in their handling of the funeral flower-laying ceremonies for HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Royal Cremation on October 26.
The flower-laying ceremonies were held at designated sites nationwide to allow those unable to reach Bangkoks’ Sanam Luang ceremonial grounds to participate in the historic event.
