Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and a party-list MP, addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the appointment of the governor of Ubon Ratchathani and the subsequent delays in fund disbursement in the Thai-Cambodian border area, which resulted in the governor’s removal. Anutin emphasized that the responsibility for proposing governor appointments lies with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, who submits the proposal to the Cabinet for approval.

According to Thai News Agency, Anutin countered misinformation from Teerarat regarding the appointment process and pointed out that the Permanent Secretary, not the former Interior Minister, was responsible for the proposal. He raised questions about whether appointments in this era require familial connections to top Interior Ministry officials and criticized the notion of political favoritism in these appointments. Anutin also mentioned the presence of Bhumjaithai Party MPs in border provinces, ensuring close monitoring of local issues without needing additional budget requests from the governors.

Anutin clarified that Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acted within his ministerial capacity in handling the Ubon Ratchathani governor’s case. He noted that despite a budget allocation of 100 million baht, only 55,000 baht had been disbursed, affirming that he would have taken similar actions if the allegations were valid.

In response to remarks by Ms. Thirat Samretwanit, Deputy Minister of Interior, who attributed the governor’s appointment to the former Interior Minister, Anutin reiterated that the Permanent Secretary was responsible for such appointments. He dismissed the notion of a political sham and confirmed that all appointments were approved by the Cabinet.

Addressing the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border, Anutin highlighted the presence of Bhumjaithai Party MPs in all border provinces, maintaining constant communication with the people to ensure their well-being. He stated that he has not requested additional budgets from provincial governors, believing that the current provisions are sufficient.

Anutin concluded that while the Thai-Cambodian border situation involves issues of national sovereignty, it should not be viewed solely as a conflict between families. He urged both governments to work collaboratively to resolve the tensions swiftly.