Nonthaburi: Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has addressed criticisms regarding his recent inspection tours of the northern provinces, asserting that these visits were conducted in his official capacity and were not personal initiatives. He emphasized that the oversight of regional policy assignments was a directive from the Prime Minister, aligning with government orders rather than personal or political motives.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Thammanat clarified that his inspection trips and the presentation of policy to government agencies across the northern region were executed in line with the Prime Minister’s Office Order No. 303/2568. This directive tasked six Deputy Prime Ministers with the responsibility of overseeing and driving government policy within specific regions. Thammanat’s jurisdiction includes the upper northern region, which comprises eight provinces: Nan, Phrae, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son.
During a visit to Benchamarachanusorn School in Nonthaburi Province, Lt. Col. Thammanat reiterated his role, stating, “I inspected the government in my capacity as Deputy Prime Minister, as assigned by the Prime Minister. It wasn’t a personal matter, and it wasn’t political, as some people have tried to misrepresent. If the Prime Minister gives orders and then doesn’t continue, how can the country be governed? The Deputy Prime Minister’s duty is to coordinate and implement policies to achieve results in the area.”
He underscored the importance of respecting the provincial administrative structure, particularly acknowledging the provincial governor as the “city lord” responsible for the region’s administration. This respect for the administrative hierarchy ensures effective governance and policy implementation.
Addressing immediate local issues, Lt. Col. Thammanat noted his presence in Nonthaburi was due to flooding concerns affecting schools and communities. He stated, “I’m in Nonthaburi today because the people are experiencing flooding. Many schools have been affected. Whatever is within the Ministry of Agriculture’s authority, such as repairing drainage systems or helping farmers, I can immediately issue orders to quickly resolve the problems for the people.”