Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, firmly denied any political interference in the dismissal of Dr. Suphat Hasuwanakit from government service, stressing that the action was strictly in compliance with legal protocols. He criticized the academic community for misunderstanding the limits of governmental power and dismissed concerns that the decision would harm the Bhumjaithai Party's popularity.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin addressed the suggestion by Professor Prinya Tevanarumitkul from Thammasat University's Public Law Department that the Bhumjaithai Party should reconsider the dismissal. Anutin clarified that he had no involvement in the decision and only became aware of it through media reports, highlighting that his tenure at the Ministry of Public Health ended several years ago.
Anutin conveyed that he consulted with Mr. Pattana Promphat, the Minister of Public Health, who assured him that the dismissal followed legal procedures without any political influence. Anutin questioned the understanding of legal scholars regarding the limitations of political party actions.
Emphasizing the government's non-interference stance, Anutin stated that the dismissal of civil servants falls outside governmental purview unless laws are broken. He cited the government's impartial stance by referencing the legal action taken against high-ranking officials in the Provincial Electricity Authority involved in illegal Bitcoin mining activities.
Addressing apprehensions about potential impacts on the Bhumjaithai Party's electoral prospects, Anutin dismissed such claims, attributing them to opposition attempts at politicization. He pointed out that the party has not managed the Ministry of Public Health for over two years and reaffirmed their commitment to professional governance, assuring there is no cause for concern.