Kasem unruffled by his latest transfer

Interior Ministry permanent secretary Pongpayom Wasaputi endorsed the transfer order of six deputy governors in six provinces, including Kasem, who will become the Nakhon Nayok deputy governor effective May 20.

Kasem said he was not disheartened by the order but refused to speculate about the reasons for his transfer.

"I am a subordinate and I am disciplined, so I will follow the order. The people with power must answer why,'' he said.

He urged the new deputy governor to perform his duty with morality and ethics. "I did my best in this position. I care about the well-being of the people,'' he said.

He said he had already been transferred 20 times to 13 provinces and he would follow the order.

Democrat Party chief advisor Chuan Leekpai offered his support to Kasem, saying he was well-known for being a role model who deserved to be given moral support.

  Party secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban said:

"When the country is ruled by people who do not have morality, you have to be patient. But Kasem will outlive them because of his decency."