Suriya Denies Bribery in Agriculture Ministry Personnel Shifts

Matichon•Politics•14h ago

Reader Briefing

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juirungruangkit denied allegations of bribery and political purging regarding the transfer of high-ranking officials.

•Minister Suriya Juirungkit responded to criticism from Captain Thamanat Prompow regarding official transfers.
•The transfers are intended to fill 7 high-ranking positions becoming vacant due to retirement on September 30.
•Suriya Juirungkit asserted that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives holds the power to propose these appointments.
•Suriya Juirungkit denied any bribery or selling of positions, challenging critics to provide evidence to auditing agencies.

Overview

•On July 21 at Government House, Suriya Juirungkit gave an interview regarding the transfer of officials.
•Captain Thamanat Prompow posted on Facebook criticizing the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives' transfers, suggesting they were based on financial interests rather than work performance.
•Suriya Juirungkit stated that the authority to propose appointments for high-ranking officials rests with the Permanent Secretary, not the Minister.
•Seven high-ranking officials are scheduled to retire on September 30, necessitating the appointment of replacements.
•Suriya Juirungkit confirmed that the Permanent Secretary considered honesty, dedication, work intent, and seniority through executive consultations.
•Suriya Juirungkit denied the claim of a political purge, noting that only a small fraction of the 31 high-ranking executives are being moved.
•Suriya Juirungkit cited his 11 terms as minister under Thaksin Shinawatra, Prayut Chan-o-cha, Srettha Thavisin, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra as evidence of his track record with personnel transfers.
•The final number of departmental transfers will be announced after the Cabinet meeting.

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Key Entities

Person

Suriya Juirungruangkit(สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ)

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

Thamanat Prompow(ธรรมนัส พรหมเผ่า)ℹ️

Phayao MP and leader of the Kla Tham Party.

Thaksin Shinawatra(ทักษิณ ชินวัตร)ℹ️

Former Prime Minister during one of Suriya Juirungkit's ministerial terms.

Prayut Chan-o-cha(ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา)ℹ️

Former Prime Minister during one of Suriya Juirungkit's ministerial terms.

Srettha Thavisin(เศรษฐา ทวีสิน)ℹ️

Former Prime Minister during one of Suriya Juirungkit's ministerial terms.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra(แพทองธาร ชินวัตร)ℹ️

Prime Minister during one of Suriya Juirungkit's ministerial terms.

Organization

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives(กระทรวงเกษตรและสหกรณ์)

The government ministry overseeing agricultural and cooperative affairs.

Kla Tham Party(พรรคกล้าธรรม)

The political party led by Thamanat Prompow.

Cabinet(คณะรัฐมนตรี)

The executive body that reviews the proposed official appointments.

Place

Government House(ทำเนียบรัฐบาล)ℹ️

The location where Suriya Juirungkit gave his interview.