Bangkok: The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has ruled that the transfer of Chaiwat Junthirapong and Narucha Khosasilai, two former directors-general of the Ministry of Interior, was unlawful. This decision comes after it was revealed that the transfer, which occurred under the tenure of then Minister of Interior Phumtham Wechayachai, was executed in a manner deemed hasty and unnecessary.
According to Thai News Agency, the CSC Chairman, Mr. Worawit Sukboon, announced the commission's findings following a majority vote. The controversy began in July 2025 when the Minister of Interior proposed to the Cabinet the reassignment of the two directors-general to inspector-general roles within the Ministry of Interior. The move was justified as necessary for civil service purposes, although the affected officials filed complaints with the CSC later that month.
The CSC's investigation found that the nominations by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary to Mr. Phumtham were justified initially, as the directors-general were expected to implement the Ministry's policy directives. However, the rapid timeline-spanning only four days from policy issuance to Cabinet approval-was considered insufficient for the officials to enact the new policies effectively.
The commission's inquiry highlighted the lack of time given to Mr. Narucha and Mr. Chaiwat to carry out the directives, pointing out that the Ministry of Interior's order assigning them inspection duties came well after their initial appointments. This timing, particularly with Mr. Chaiwat nearing retirement, suggested that the transfers were not motivated by genuine administrative necessity but rather by ulterior motives.
The CSC concluded that the transfer to inspector-general roles represented a demotion in terms of responsibilities and stature, potentially damaging the officials' honor and reputation. This act was deemed an improper use of discretion and a violation of the merit system as outlined in the Civil Service Act.
However, the situation was later complicated by the fact that Mr. Narucha received a Royal Decree appointing him back to a director-general position, while Mr. Chaiwat had already retired. Given these circumstances, the CSC ultimately decided to dismiss the complaints, stating that reversing the appointments would not benefit the government. Despite the decision to dismiss, the ruling highlighted the need for proper exercise of legal authority in such transfers.