Transfer made for work reasons: Suthep

The move to shift Interior permanent secretary Peerapol Tritasawit to an inactive post at the PM's Office and replace him with his deputy Wichai Srikwan was done for administrative expediency, government ministers said yesterday.

The transfer of Peerapol took immediate effect and Wichai's promotion would be formalised with the issuing of a royal command.

Peerapol, however, said he would lodge an appeal with the Civil Service Commission and petition the Administrative Court for a move he described as unfair.

"The reshuffle is definitely motivated by political interest," he said. "If we allow it happen, morality in bureaucracy will decline in the long run."

Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul took the initiative and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban gave his support. The prime minister subsequently approved the move before it went to Cabinet.

After the Cabinet meeting, Suthep said he felt the move was necessary to streamline work at the Ministry.

"Peerapol's transfer is not a personal or partisan decision but an administrative necessity to boost efficiency," he said.

He ruled out speculation Peerapol was sidelined because he was seen as close to the pro-Thaksin camp.

But political observers disagreed. Many said Peerapol was a victim of revenge by the Friends of Newin faction. Peerapol was promoted to the top position in October with the blessing of the ruling People Power Party before it was disbanded.

Under the Somchai Wongsawat government, he was believed to have convinced then Interior minister Kowit Watana to sack ministerial adviser Saksayam Chidchob, who is a younger brother of faction leader Newin Chidchob.

Chaovarat said the prime minister had the power to do this and he did not know about the Chidchob issue before. He thought the main reason for the transfer was work-related.

Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, from the Friends of Newin faction, said the issue would not create any conflict in the coalition as the ministry was under his party, Bhum Jai Thai

Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung said he believed the transfer was motivated by politics. He said Peerapol was known to be capable, knowledgable and honest.

Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam said he did not know if the transfer was done by Suthep. "You must ask for the reason from Interior Minister Chaovarat," he said.

Wichai denied he had a close relationship with Suthep and former coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. "I'm from the same home province as Suthep, Surat Thani, but I don't know him personally."

As for reports he had a close relationship with Sonthi, he said he was a former Lop Buri governor but Sonthi left Lop Buri before he worked there.