Transfers in foreign, health ministry announced

The Cabinet yesterday approved the transfers of Foreign Affairs Ministry officials, including the assignment of Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Manasvi Srisodapol as a deputy permanent secretary, Deputy Government Spokesman Pakdihans Himathongkham announced yesterday. 

The transfers will take effect on October 1.

The Cabinet also appointed Manasvi’s predecessor Vijavat Isarabhakdi as the Thai ambassador to the US based in Washington DC. The current envoy, Chaiyong Satjipanon, is due to retire soon. 

Department of American and South Pacific Affairs director general Sek Wannamethee was transferred to the Department of Information where he will serve as director general.

Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs director Narong Sasitorn will also become a deputy permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs. The Thai Ambassador to Belgium Apichart Chinwanno is to become the Thai envoy to France, succeeding Somsak Suriyawong, who is also due to retire. Apichat’s successor is deputy permanent secretary Nopadol Gunavibool. 

The Thai ambassador to Brazil, Tharit Jarungwat, will represent Thailand in Turkey, replacing another retiree Rathakit Manathat.

There were also changes within the Public Health Ministry, with the Cabinet approving the transfers of 10 senior officials. 

Deputy Permanent Secretary Nitas Raiyawa will become an inspector general for the Public Health Ministry, while current inspector general Songyot Chaichana is promoted to deputy permanent secretary.

Disease Control Department chief Porntep Siriwanarangsun will become the Department of Health directorgeneral, replacing Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk who will serve as Mental Health Department directorgeneral. Jedsada’s predecessor Wachira Pengjuntr would become a deputy permanent secretary for Public Health.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Sopon Mekthon will be the new Disease Control Department chief. Deputy Permanent Secretary Suphan Srithamma will become Department of Medical Services directorgeneral and Inspector General Amnuay Gajeena has been named as a deputy permanent secretary. Inspector General Apichai Mongkol will be the new Department of Medical Sciences chief and Inspector General Thavatchai Kamoltham assumes the top position at the Department for the Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.