In the order, published in the Royal Gazette website yesterday, Si Sa Ket Governor Yutthana Wiriyakitti, Tak Governor Somchai Hathayatanti, Chanthaburi Governor Somsak Parisuttho Hemtanont and Pattani Governor Weerapong Kaewsuwan were moved to temporary positions at the PM’s Office. The order also named Ratchaburi deputy governor Thawat Suraban as acting governor of Si Sa Ket; Lamphun deputy governor Charoenrit Sa-nguansat as acting governor of Tak and Phitsanulok deputy governor as acting governor of Chanthaburi. Interior Ministry inspector-general Suriya Amornrojanaworawut will serve as acting governor of Pattani.

An informed source in Chanthaburi said that Somsak’s transfer was believed to stem from conflicts with a local politician as well as criticism of Khao Phrabat Phluang’s profits and a housing estate in Soi Dao district. A source in Si Sa Ket said that Yutthana’s transfer might have resulted from accusations of lack of transparency. The transfer of Somchai was reportedly because of conflicts with local businesspeople and lack of progress in the special economic zone being set up there.