Bangkok: Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has delineated the responsibilities among two Deputy Ministers of Interior. He will oversee the Civil Engineering and Public Works Department, while Deputy Minister Detch-Is will focus on the Land Department and the Department of Local Administration to address land issues.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham stated that the division of work is designed for collaborative teamwork among the three officials. The responsibilities are distributed to ensure mutual support. Mr. Phumtham will manage several departments, including the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, the Department of Provincial Administration, and the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Interior. Additionally, he will coordinate with government agencies under the Ministry of Interior, following the Southern Border Provinces Administration Act B.E. 2553. The Provincial Electricity Authority and the Provincial Waterworks Authority also fall under his purview.
Mr. Phumtham further explained that Ms. Thirat Rattanawanich, Deputy Minister of Interior, has been tasked with overseeing the Community Development Department, which involves women-focused initiatives and Thai fabric operations. She will also manage the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Wastewater Management Organization, and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA).
Moreover, Mr. Decha Isam Khaothong, another Deputy Minister of Interior, has been assigned to oversee the Land Department, the Department of Local Administration, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), and the Market Organization. When queried about not managing the Land Department himself, Mr. Phumtham mentioned his extensive workload and Mr. Decha-isorn's willingness to assist.
In response to inquiries about Mr. Decha-Ism's suitability for addressing land issues, Mr. Phumtham emphasized that all involved are capable, as each has specific challenges to address.