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Published on September 12, 2007

Senior officials at the Natural Resource and Environment, Justice, Culture, and Information and Communications Technology ministries also landed new posts, deputy government spokesman Natthawat Suthiyothin said.

Adisak Thongkhaimuk, a deputy permanent secretary for Natural Resource and Environment, was appointed director-general of the Water Resources Department, switching with Siripong Hungspreug.

Wanchai Roujanawong, director-general of the Justice Ministry's Probation Department, swapped posts with Corrections Department chief Nathee Chitsawang.

The Culture Ministry had the most promotions at eight, including deputy permanent secretary Kriengsak Sampatcharit, who will be the next Fine Arts Department director-general, while his predecessor Arak Sanghitkul will become an inspector-general.

Deputy permanent secretary Sod Daeng-eard will take over the Religious Affairs Department, while his predecessor Preecha Kanthiya will become the National Culture Commission secretary-general. Preecha replaced Prisana Phongthatsirikul, who was transferred to be an inspector-general.

Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon said she had discussed cultural work with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont in the morning and took the opportunity to give him a letter for the transfers of her ministry's senior officials, without having to submit it to the Cabinet next week.

The reason for such a fast move was that there was a lot of wire-pulling, she said, while insisting the appointments were based on appropriateness and rotation after four-year terms, not on lobbying.

The Nation