According to news reports, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Region 2 has issued an arrest warrant for former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has accused him of granting an improper construction permit to Bali Hai for the construction of a high-rise condominium complex called Waterfront Suites & Residences back in 2008 when he was serving as the mayor of Pattaya. Itthiphol was summoned by the prosecutor to acknowledge his charges on September 4, but he failed to appear. Consequently, the NACC requested an arrest warrant from the court, which was granted on September 5. If found guilty of violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code, he could face imprisonment ranging from 1 to 10 years, and the statute of limitations for this case is 15 years, meaning it will expire on September 10.

Former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem could escape arrest if his case expires before apprehension, according to Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which filed the case against Itthiphol. An arrest warrant was issued for him on September 5 for failing to appear in court to acknowledge his charges. The NACC accuses him of improperly granting a construction permit to Bali Hai for the Waterfront Suites & Residences complex in 2008 when he was Pattaya's mayor. Niwatchai told Isranews that if Itthiphol isn't arrested by the case's September 10 expiration, authorities can't take further action, even with an existing arrest warrant. If found guilty of violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code, Itthiphol could face 1 to 10 years in prison. The case has a 15-year statute of limitations. The NACC filed the case on August 3, but Itthiphol didn't appear when summoned by the Office of the Attorney General. Isranews reported he left the country on August 30, flying to Phnom Penh.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has requested the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to seek a new arrest warrant for Former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem. Before issuing the initial warrant, the OAG had recommended that the NACC petition the court for an arrest warrant with a provision stipulating that the statute of limitations on the case would be suspended if the suspect fled. However, the initial warrant does not include the provision. Consequently, the OAG has now asked the NACC to approach the court for a new warrant that includes the aforementioned provision. This is urgent because the statute of limitations on the case is set to expire on September 10. Itthiphol failed to appear for his court date on September 4, and the latest reports indicate that he left the country on August 30. It took the NACC nearly 15 years to accuse Itthiphol of improperly granting a construction permit to Bali Hai for the Waterfront Suites & Residences complex in 2008 during his tenure as Pattaya's mayor. The NACC only forwarded the case to the OAG on August 3.

A new arrest warrant, with a provision stipulating that the statute of limitations on the case would be suspended if the suspect fled, has been issued for Former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem, who left the country on August 30 and did not appear for his court date on September 4. Before issuing the initial warrant, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) had recommended that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) petition the court for an arrest warrant with a provision stipulating that the statute of limitations on the case would be suspended if the suspect fled. However, the initial warrant does not include this provision, which led to the issuance of the new arrest warrant. It took the NACC 14 years and 10 months to accuse Itthiphol of improperly granting a construction permit to Bali Hai for the Waterfront Suites & Residences complex in 2008 during his tenure as Pattaya's mayor. The NACC has yet to provide an explanation for the lengthy delay. The NACC only forwarded the case to the OAG on August 3 of this year. The statute of limitations on the case is set to expire on September 10.

Senator Tawin Pleansri warned the new government that if they continue to allow blatant inequality in the so-called incarceration of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, it could lead to more conflict in the future. "Do not keep trampling on the feelings of the entire country until they can no longer accept it because it could lead to a major problem," he said. He said the government's promise to uphold the rule of law would mean nothing if they still permit wealthy and influential individuals to undermine the justice system, such as the delays in the prosecution against former culture minister Itthiphol Khunpluem, the special privileges granted to inmate Thaksin, and the Red Bull heir case. He urged the government not to use the excuse that they are only following regulations because people can see through such claims.

As is becoming the norm in liberal reporting on issues related to the incoming administration of PT, only one Kunpluem politician is mentioned. Probably because he is the only one of the clan associated with Prayut. The rest of Kamnan Poh's political progeny are Pheu Thai now.

Wikipedia: Itthiphol Khunpluem

Thai PBS World: Arrest warrant issued for former culture minister

The Nation: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor Ittipol Khunpluem

The Pattaya News: Former Pattaya Mayor Faces Arrest Warrant Regarding Waterfront Condo as Case Nears Expiration in Four Days

PS The Pattaya News report also provides some background information on the controversial Waterfront project

The Pattaya News: UPDATE: Wanted Former Pattaya Mayor Reportedly Flees Thailand to Evade Arrest in Waterfront Condo Case

Bangkok Post: Arrest warrant for missing former culture minister and Pattaya mayor

The Nation: Prosecutors race against time to keep Ittipol's corruption case alive

Bangkok Post: New arrest warrant suggested for ex-minister

Pattaya News Flash: The Legacy of Itthiphol Kunplome

Pattaya News Flash: The Godfather of Chonburi

Former Culture Minister Ittipol Khunpluem has been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Ittipol fled to Cambodia on September 5th after the Office of the Attorney General filed charges against him and nine others for their involvement in issuing an illegal construction permit to Bali Hai. This permit was for the construction of a luxury condominium at the base of Phra Tamnak Mountain in Pattaya during his tenure as the city's mayor in 2008. Ittipol is now being transferred to the Office of the Attorney General, Division 2, in Rayong. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Region 2 has granted bail to Ittipol with a surety of 120,000 baht, even though he fled the country in an attempt to escape prosecution last month. Ittipol has denied all wrongdoings, and his next court date is scheduled for October 31st.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed all governors under the ministry's jurisdiction to create a "blacklist" containing the names of mafia figures in their province. The purpose is to ensure that none of these figures can hold positions in local administration. This instruction followed an incident involving a subdistrict headman, Praween Chankhlai, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua, the chief of Highway Police Station 1 under Highway Police Sub-division 2. This event occurred following an argument over a promotion at the subdistrict headman's home. The shooter, Thananchai Manmak, who worked for Praween, shot Pol Maj Sivakorn after the officer refused to switch Praween's policeman nephew from a patrol car assignment to a motorcycle patrol squad. Praween turned himself in to the police yesterday, while Thananchai was shot and killed by the police during a shoot-out this morning. Anutin emphasized that mafia figures should not hold positions of power, as senior state officials must set good examples for the public to follow. However, it is worth noting that one of his deputy ministers, Chada Thaiseth, is widely known as a mafia figure in Uthai Thani, referred to as "the Godfather of the Sakae Krang River," before entering politics. Deputy Interior Minister Chada has been assigned the responsibility of compiling a list of influential and mafia figures in each province across the country.

Arrest warrants are being issued against four police officers after the investigation into the fatal shooting of Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua at the subdistrict headman Praween Chankhlai's house revealed that the gun used to shoot the officer was a police-issued weapon. The ongoing investigation also includes negligence charges against 25 officers who attended Praween's monthly house party. Praween denies ordering his staff, Thananchai Manmak, to shoot Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua. Thananchai was killed by police during his arrest. In the negligence case, the 25 officers are investigated for failing to prevent the shooter's escape and failing to prevent Praween's staff from concealing the murder weapon, erasing CCTV footage, and cleaning up blood stains. The police have not commented on claims that officers helped destroy CCTV footage and aid the shooter's escape, citing the ongoing investigation into them. Anti-Corruption Division Commander Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew commented that the officers may have been in shock and focused on attending to injured officers, leading to their failure to stop the shooter from fleeing and the destruction of evidence. He mentioned that the officers had a right to be at the party, but their presence needs examination. So far, Jaroonkiat said there is no evidence to suggest that Praween has been bringing these officers, even though some were highway police officers who frequently visited Praween's house for parties. Praween's construction companies also generated billions of baht in revenue over the past five years, despite his young age of 35.

Two construction companies owned by subdistrict headman Praween "Kamnan Nok" Chankhlai, currently charged with orchestrating the murder of Pol Maj Sivakorn "Inspector Bank" Saibua, received 1,311 state contracts worth over 6 billion baht in the past decade. P. Raweekanok Construction secured 523 projects valued at 1.3 billion baht from 2014 to 2023. P. Phatanarungrod Construction received 788 projects worth 4.8 billion baht, primarily in Nakhon Pathom, followed by Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. As of now, the police have pressed charges against six out of 25 officers who were present at the party where Pol Maj Sivakorn was killed. They are accused of aiding the shooter, Thananchai Manmak, who is Praween's right-hand man, in escaping, and assisting Praween's staff in destroying evidence, including the murder weapon, CCTV records, and blood spatters. Among the six arrested officers, the highest-ranking is Pol Major Gen Kiattisak Somsuk, an inspector from Samut Sakhon. However, Thananchai was killed during a police shootout, and the murder weapon, a police-issued firearm, was recovered. The CCTV server was retrieved, with data recovery efforts ongoing. Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn says there is enough evidence showing Praween ordered the shooting. He also said one of the six apprehended officers had briefly detained the shooter but then released him, and some of them escorted Praween out of the area. Furthermore, it was revealed that an officer had purchased the murder weapon and provided it to Praween prior to the shooting. Pol Gen Surachate also said that the police still maintain the belief that the primary motive for the shooting was Pol Maj Sivakorn's refusal to fulfill Praween's request to transfer his nephew from a car patrol unit to a motorbike patrol unit, which involves lighter duties. Regarding speculation that the motive may be connected to the truck sticker scandal, as Pol Maj Sivakorn had been cracking down on overweight trucks, and Praween owns hundreds of construction trucks, Pol Gen Surachate said the police are already investigating this possibility.

Police Major General Chakkrit Khruesunthornwanich, the Provincial Police Commander of Nakhon Pathom, and Police Colonel Phuphon Thapcharoen, the Superintendent of Nakhon Pathom Provincial Police Station, have been transferred to inactive duty pending an investigation into the murder of Pol Maj Sivakorn "Inspector Bank" Saibua. Pol Maj Gen Chakkrit and Pol Col Phuphon were at the birthday party of subdistrict headman Praween "Kamnan Nok" Chankhlai where the shooting took place. The six officers who were charged with assisting the now-deceased shooter in escaping the crime scene and helping Praween's staff destroy evidence have been fired from the police force, and they have been denied bail. The six officers include: - Pol Maj Kiatisak Somsuk, 52, investigative inspector of Krathum Baen district in Samut Sakhon province
- Pol Lt Narongsak Taeng-ampai, 58, a highway police officer
- Pol Lt Nimit Salidkul, 57, deputy inspector for traffic affairs in Mueang district of Nakhon Pathom
- Pol Cpt Natthaphol Narkkorn, 59, a highway police officer
- Pol Lt Prasarn Rodphol, 58, a highway police officer
- Pol Sub-Lt Sansert Srisawat, 55, a highway police officer Five members of Praween's staff have also been charged with the destruction of evidence after the police managed to recover the recording from the CCTV servers that had been dumped into canals following the shooting. Praween continued to deny that he had ordered his right-hand man, Thananchai Manmak, to shoot Pol Maj Sivakorn. Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn stated over the weekend that he is convinced there is enough evidence to show that Praween ordered the shooting, especially now that the CCTV footage has been recovered.

The commander of Pol Maj Sivakorn "Inspector Bank" Saibua's unit has reportedly shot and killed himself. Pol Col Wachira Yaothaisong, the commander of Highway Police Sub-division 2, was found dead at his house in Pathum Thani. Pol Maj Sivakorn was the chief of Highway Police Station 1 under Highway Police Sub-division 2. Pol Col Wachira was reportedly the person who invited Pol Maj Sivakorn to subdistrict headman Praween Chankhlai's birthday party, where he was shot and killed by Praween's right-hand man, Thananchai Manmak. Pol Col Wachira was also one of the 25 officers who attended the party, and he is being investigated for negligence. He is accused of failing to arrest the shooter and allowing Praween's staff to destroy evidence.

Police on Tues raided the house of a suspect influential figure in Nakhon Prathom province following the killing of a cop by a gunman who works for another influential person. The man, a sub-district chief known as Kamnan Taeng, denies any wrongdoing & is currently in Cambodia. An attentive reader asks: How about the notorious Sasomap family in Nakhon Pathom? Will they be blacklisted or they fall under acceptable mafia families like Chada, Chidchobs, Khunplumes?

Two out of the 20 large state projects that were awarded to two construction companies owned by subdistrict headman Praween "Kamnan Nok" Chankhlai could have been illegally awarded. Praween has been charged with orchestrating the murder of Pol Maj Sivakorn "Inspector Bank" Saibua. The Department of Special Investigation is currently investigating 1,544 state projects worth 7.6 billion baht that were granted to Praween's construction companies, including P. Raweekanok Construction (621 projects) and P. Phatanarungrod Construction (923 projects). Among the 20 large projects, two are suspected of involving collusion and bribery activities between state officials and the companies to avoid fair price competition. These two projects include the construction of Highway 375 in Don Tum District, Nakhon Pathom, worth 300 million baht, and another project connecting Highway 375 and Highway 346 worth 350 million baht. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is currently taking up these two cases for investigation and is calling upon related parties, including authorities, to clarify the DSI's initial findings of suspected illegal activities in the bidding process for these two projects.

CCTV footage with voice recordings from 13 out of 15 cameras, which showed the shooting of Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua, has been recovered, Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said. The footage from the 2 remaining cameras, which were closest to the shooting, will be recovered by tomorrow, according to Pol Gen Surachate. He personally inspected the initially recovered footage firsthand. The recovered footage so far clearly showed that subdistrict headman Praween Chankhlai ordered the shooting, so the police are not concerned about the masterminding of the murder charge against him, Pol Gen Surachate said. The killer was also confirmed to be Praween's right-hand man, Thananchai Manmak. Pol Gen Surachate said an additional charge of false statements will be made against most of the 17 officers who were at Praween's birthday party when the shooting happened. This is in addition to the negligence charge since the CCTV footage showed that most of them had lied in their initial statements. Furthermore, the majority of them were armed when they claimed they were not. The two main groups of offenders, who are police officers, consist of the majority of the officers who immediately left the party and neglected to perform their duties after the shooting. Additionally, there are the 6 officers who helped Praween and the shooter escape the crime scene until the former turned himself in and the latter was killed during a shootout with the police. Other ongoing investigations include the Truck-Sticker bribery ring that Pol Maj Sivakorn has been cracking down on and corruption in the bidding for state construction projects involving Praween's construction companies. More arrest warrants will be issued, and more assets will be seized, according to Pol Gen Surachate. The next major update on the investigation will be provided on Tuesday.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Central Prison's warden and four correctional officers were transferred to inactive posts pending an investigation into their possible involvement in the escape of Chavalit "Sei Pang Na Nhord" Thongduang. The suspect in multiple murder cases that are pending, who was incarcerated in January 2022 for attempting to help a drug suspect escape police custody, fled custody from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on the night of October 22 and has yet to be found. He was also a former candidate for a member of the Phatthalung Provincial Administrative Organization in 2019. Chavalit managed to escape custody with a key to his chain while being treated at the hospital. Before his associates could secure the key for his chains, the correctional officers in charge of detention allowed him to change the chain. He also managed to change his clothes and simply walked out of the hospital without anyone stopping him. In addition to the correctional officers, hospital staff are also being investigated. The fugitive was moved to the hospital for his dental appointment before the appointment was canceled. Then he feigned passing out, allowing him to stay at the hospital on October 20 and 21 before he made his escape on the night of October 22. Investigators are checking why the inmate was transferred to the hospital before the appointment time and whether the doctor who canceled the appointment was truly sick as he claimed Chavalit is now believed to be in Satun after his failed attempt to cross the border into Myanmar. The police now suspect he is trying to cross the border into Malaysia instead.

Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth said he instructed his son-in-law, Veerachat Rasami, to step down from his position as the Mayor of Taluk Du Subdistrict. This decision followed Veerachat's arrest on charges of allegedly extorting 600,000 baht from a private contractor to prevent any adverse effects on the local administration within the subdistrict, he said. Chada said Veerachat's arrest exemplified his effort to "clean his own house," and his request for Veerachat to resign demonstrated his commitment to addressing the situation. He expressed his perplexity in response to criticism, saying, "When the police arrest someone close to me, there is criticism; if the police do not arrest someone close to me, there is criticism. So, what am I supposed to do?" Chada, who is responsible for combating organized crime throughout the country, said on August 8th that the ministry, in collaboration with the police and local administrations, had extensively investigated the presence of organized crime figures in his home province of Uthai Thani. The conclusion was that no such figures were operating in the area. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called on the public to treat Veerachat fairly, highlighting that he has not been proven guilty. He emphasized that Chada is not required to resign in order to demonstrate responsibility. Srettha also noted that if Veerachat is ultimately found guilty, he will be subject to punishment in accordance with the law. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul suggested that Chada may have been involved in ordering the arrest of his own son-in-law. He also highlighted that Veerachat's arrest underscores the seriousness of the ministry and police in their efforts to combat organized crime. Currently, Veerachat is out on bail and has resigned from his position as Mayor of the subdistrict.

A police raid took place at Level 9 Rooftop Bar in Chiang Mai last night after it was discovered to be operating beyond permissible hours. During the raid, officials from the interior ministry were found celebrating their recent successful operation at another venue, Le Neuf Cafe | NEUFxBAR, on Halloween night. At 3 a.m., the raid uncovered 40-50 customers, some of whom were under the age of 17. Additionally, among the customers were officials from the special operations team of the Department of Provincial Administration's central command. Pol Maj Gen Thawatchai Phongwiwattanachai, the commander of Chiang Mai provincial police, refuted claims to the press that the Level 9 Rooftop Bar raid was in retaliation for the Le Neuf operation. The initial Le Neuf raid, carried out by officials from the Interior Ministry on Halloween night, found more than 240 customers under the age of 20 and resulted in the transfer of five high-ranking police officers from Chang Phueak Police Station to inactive posts pending investigation. Update: The Department of Provincial Administration denied reports that their officials were celebrating at Level 9 Rooftop Bar, which was raided for opening after hours last night. The department stated that 14 out of 16 of their officials have returned to Bangkok since November 1, and one of the two officials who remained in Chiang Mai and was at Level 9 Rooftop Bar at 3 a.m. was merely eating, not celebrating anything.

The five high-ranking officers from Chiang Mai's Chang Phueak Police Station, who were previously transferred to inactive posts following a raid at Le Neuf Cafe | NEUFxBAR on Halloween night, where more than 240 customers under the age of 20 were found, have been found not guilty of negligence or accepting bribes. They have since been reinstated to their normal positions. Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn said an investigative committee determined that these officers had initiated the closure of more than 30 entertainment venues known to be operating beyond permitted hours, and they had submitted six proposals to shut down the Le Neuf venue due to repeated offenses. Nirat said he had already ordered the closure of the Le Neuf venue. The owner has 15 days to provide an explanation. In the absence of a satisfactory explanation, the venue will be required to shut down for a minimum of 5 years.

The police reported that the singer, Thanakrit "Wan" Panichwid, who crashed his Volvo into the back of a garbage truck at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, did not flee the scene of the accident. Instead, he acknowledged that the officers at the scene failed to conduct an alcohol test on him. Pol Col Chaturon Anurakbundit, the head of Muang police station in Nonthaburi, explained that the officers refrained from administering the alcohol test to Thanakrit due to his injuries. However, photographic evidence from the scene depicted Thanakrit walking and conversing on his phone after the crash. Chaturon further disclosed that Thanakrit was "transferred" to a different hospital than the two injured garbage collectors. Once the officers had finished documenting the crash site, they prioritized checking on the garbage collectors before visiting Thanakrit at his hospital at 7 a.m. However, by that time, Thanakrit had already left the hospital. Chaturon clarified that the hospital had allowed him to go home as his injuries were minor. Thanakrit did not report to the police station until 5 p.m. At that point, he underwent both an alcohol and drug test. Chaturon revealed that the police are now in the process of preparing charges against Thanakrit for reckless driving resulting in injuries to others. The driver of the garbage truck, Suthep, aged 49, informed reporters that Thanakrit did not appear intoxicated at the time of the accident. He also said that one of the injured garbage collectors had been discharged from the hospital, while another was scheduled for surgery today. Thanakrit informed the police that he had fallen asleep at the wheel due to exhaustion after a long day of work. However, a video has emerged, showing Thanakrit participating in a live recording session with a band around 7-8 p.m. before the crash occurred. This video has stirred discussions online, with netizens raising questions about the activities during the recording session, particularly speculating about whether they were consuming alcohol or other substances while practicing and socializing.

Apart from the crackdown on smuggled pork meat, the government is also targeting smuggled beef from neighboring countries. Thailand has already seized 4.77 million kilograms of smuggled pork as of October, compared to 430,000 kilograms last year. However, smuggled beef is also a significant issue, with around 100,000 tonnes being brought into Thailand each year, impacting local prices, according to the government. These problems are causing health concerns and affecting the exports of Thailand's meat products. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed all related agencies to intensify their crackdown on these smuggled meats, with a major part of the problem identified as bribery. For example, a smuggler who was caught with 33 containers of smuggled pork in November said he paid officials around 30,000 baht per container to bring them in without having to pay taxes.

The Constitutional Court has decided, by a 5:4 majority, not to hear the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)'s appeal against the Administrative Court's order. The order required the NACC to release details of their investigation into Gen Prawit Wongsuwan's luxury watches case to political activist Veera Somkhwamkid. According to the Constitutional Court, the case does not fall within its designated duties. The NACC has been steadfast in refusing to comply with the Administrative Court's ruling, which had already been upheld by the Supreme Administrative Court. The NACC justifies its non-compliance by citing the confidentiality of the information requested under the Official Information Act. The NACC is now finding itself with dwindling excuses for not adhering to the court orders.

The police have seized assets worth 285 million baht from Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun, who has been indicted for alleged collusion in money laundering and transnational crime, as reported by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The seized assets include savings totaling 3 million baht from 28 accounts and 19 plots of land valued at 282 million baht. Additionally, the senator possesses over 600 million baht worth of assets that have been transferred abroad. The NACC has stated its intention to collaborate with relevant agencies to pursue the seizure of these offshore assets. Senator Upakit was indicted this year following the arrest of Myanmar businessman Tun Min Latt in Bangkok in September 2022 on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. Upakit is alleged to have had close ties with Tun Min Latt, who is believed to be an arms dealer for the Myanmar junta.

The cabinet approved the Ministry of Justice's decision to reassign Police Major Suriya Singhakamol's position from the Director General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice after he vowed to crack down on political officials who were related to meat smuggling rings. The DSI quoted Suriya in a social media post today, stating that he has been mentally preparing for such a possibility since he took over the position as the Director of the DSI, and he does not regret anything because he has done his best. The cabinet decision came after Suriya said last week and reiterated yesterday that the DSI's investigation against smugglers of smuggled meats and corrupt authorities taking bribes from the smugglers will continue to expand to reach all culprits, regardless of their status. Last week, the DSI reported that the ongoing crackdown on smuggled meat has resulted in the prosecution of suspected smugglers in 92 cases across 35 provinces. The suspects include business operators, at least 10 civil servants, and at least 10 political officials. The DSI's investigation is also linked to CP Axtra (CPAXT). The DSI stated that there is evidence showing the company purchased 390 million baht worth of smuggled pork. CP Axtra admitted to buying the pork from two companies linked to the smuggling but claimed they did so legitimately, asserting that the company should be considered an affected party, not a culprit. Following the news of the company being investigated, CPAXT shares dropped by 3.57% today. Deputy government spokeswoman Kenika Oonjit said Police Major Suriya was transferred to streamline the policies of the justice ministry. No further explanation was provided. Government spokesman Chai Watcharong said the proposal originated from the ministry, and cabinet members did not extensively discuss the matter. Chai also clarified that no new appointment has been finalized at this point.