Wichien moved from Interior to PM's Office
Wichien Chawalit yesterday lost his post as the permanent secretary for Interior through an order signed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
One of Wichien's deputies, Phranai Suwanrat, is now the acting permanent secretary.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit yesterday held a press conference to announce that Wichien was transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister.
"Wichien will be appointed the secretary general of the committee on integrated watermanagement plan," Yongyuth said.
He also confirmed that Phranai was now his ministry's actฌing permanent secretary.
The removal of Wichien took place, without being submitฌted as an agenda for Cabinet meetings. "It's the decision made by me and the prime minister," Yongyuth said.
The transfer order involving Wichien took effect yesterday, and Yongyuth immediately appointed Phranai as the acting permanent secretary.
The interior minister insisted that Phranai was well qualified to serve as the permanent secretary for Interior.
"I will nominate Phranai as the new permanent secretary soon," Yongyuth said.
Phranai has one more year in service before he reaches his mandatory retirement age.
"I will consult with Phranai about the reshuffles of senior officials at the ministry too," the interior minister said. The annual reshuffles of senior officials will soon take place because some officials will retire at the end of this month.
Yongyuth expressed confidence that Wichien would not lodge a complaint over the transfer.
"He has assured me so. He says he loves and respects me," the interior minister said.
Yongyuth still has four more years in services before he reaches his mandatory retirement age. Asked whether Yongyuth would be allowed to return to the helm of the Interior Ministry, Yongyuth said, "It's the matter of the future".
Both Phranai and Wichien were not present during the press conference yesterday, even though both were initially scheduled to show up.
"It's about the atmosphere. It's not that they are unsatisfied," Yongyuth said.
Phranai refused to give any interview. When contacted, Wichien said he had to attend a meeting.
