Official in row over boy's search for dad is moved

Prasit Meechang, who has been transferred to Buri Ram, yesterday said he could work anywhere, and that his transfer was a periodical reshuffle.

The transfer is in immediate effect, and was signed directly by permanent secretary Wallop Phloytabtim.

Prasit denied that his transfer was prompted by local journalists' complaints over his statement accusing them of seeking fame for reporting about eightyearold Keigo Zatoh, who has been looking for his Japanese father for more than a year.

Prasit said he had long ago transferred a woman to a desk job after she had badly treated people and had personal problems with local reporters.

"I have performed my duty to the best of my ability, as a Phichit local myself," he said, adding that the matter arose from a miscommunication with local reporters over his statement about their coverage of the boy, and that he had already cleared up all problems with them.