Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended a major reshuffle within the Finance Ministry and denied there being any political motive behind the transferral of key officials.
The reshuffle followed cabinet approval of seven high-level civil service transfers. Ranking high was the reassignment of Pinsai Suraswadi, son of senior Pheu Thai Party figure Plodprasop Suraswadi, from director-general of the Revenue Department to deputy permanent secretary.
Mr Anutin clarified that the reshuffle was proposed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, adding that his role as prime minister was simply to acknowledge the decision.
“I didn’t look at the names. The prime minister’s authority is to give acknowledgement,” he stated.
Mr Ekniti said the reshuffle was to fill vacancies. When prodded, he denied Mr Pinsai’s transfer was influenced by his family ties.
Other cabinet-approved transfers include: Akkarut Sonthayanon from deputy permanent secretary to director-general of the Treasury Department; and Kulaya Tantitemit from director-general of the Customs Department to director-general of the Revenue Department. Phanthong Loykulnunt is also being transferred from inspector-general to director-general of the Customs Department.