Bangkok: "Thirat" has sparked a heated debate with a Deputy Minister of the Interior, questioning whether the substantial transfer of Interior Ministry officials is intended to facilitate elections. The discussion also touched on the government's stance regarding Hun Sen's threat to expose politicians involved in gambling operations in Cambodia, with Sakda emphasizing the seasonal nature of the transfers and the government's commitment to fairness.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thirat Rattanawanich, a former Deputy Minister of the Interior and a Bangkok MP for the Pheu Thai Party, has raised concerns over the recent transfers of civil servants within the Ministry of the Interior. She argues that these transfers fail to address significant national and public security issues, including international and domestic challenges like call center fraud. Thirat questioned whether these moves were designed to give the ruling party an edge in upcoming election preparations. The transfers were authorized by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. Additionally, Thirat criticized the government's lack of response to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's threat to reveal Thai politicians running gambling dens in Cambodia, questioning the government's stance on call center gangs defrauding Thai citizens.
Mr. Sakda Wichiensilp, Deputy Minister of Interior, clarified that the transfers were part of a regular rotation process following the retirement of over 20 officials at the end of the fiscal year in September. He stated that the transfers were routine and in compliance with the Ministry's procedures. Sakda highlighted that previous off-season transfers under the former government were not typical, whereas recent transfers were conducted in-season. He assured that officials could seek redress through the Ethics Protection Commission or the Administrative Court if they felt unfairly treated. Sakda urged the public not to misconstrue the transfers as an official issue.
Addressing the call center fraud issue, Sakda emphasized that the current government, led by Mr. Anutin, had only been in power for a short period. He indicated that the problem existed before the current administration, and efforts to combat it were ongoing. Sakda affirmed that the government was actively working to address the issue and that the transfer of civil servants was part of routine operations ensuring fair treatment.
Ms. Thirat also questioned the rationale behind the transferred positions, suggesting that they were not retirement-related. She sought clarification on the alleged misconduct by the transferred director-general and how the Bhumjaithai Party government plans to address the call center issue, given the previous crackdown by the Pheu Thai Party government.
Sakda expressed skepticism that the Pheu Thai government could completely eliminate call center gangs but confirmed that the Bhumjaithai Party government would continue efforts to combat them. He called for a focus on the public good and livelihood improvements, steering clear of political conflicts that do not benefit the public.
On the subject of civil servant transfers, Sakda reiterated that the Pheu Thai Party, during Thirat's tenure, also conducted similar transfers, which were handled by a committee to maintain morale. He emphasized that the process was appropriate for the situation and warned against using the issue for political advantage.
Mr. Sakda concluded by asserting that the current government would handle Cambodian-related issues more effectively than the previous administration, focusing on nationalism and sovereignty without external influences.