Elected province governors

The issue why the province governors are all appointed officials sent by the Ministry of Interior and not elected directly by the citizens of the respective province - like it is the case in Bangkok since 1972 - has come back into discussion as it is one of the campaign topics by the newly founded "Future Forward Party" for the forthcoming long-delayed election, as it is mentioned in this interview with the party founder.

The website isaanrecords has already followed up this interview with two articles on this topic. First, the summary of a talk by Tanet Charoenmuang given in Maha Sarakham in April, describes the history of the local governments in Thailand compared to the centrally controlled administration. Tanet was a strong proposer of elected governors for many years, and I really should get back to read more of his book "Thailand - A late decentralizing country" which contains his old publications on such topics.

In "Core arguments for and against elected governors", an anonymous author again states the administrative history of the provinces vs. the local governments by municipalities. Sadly, there is no comment possible at that posting, so I have to place my nitpicking here. The article states that from 1972 till 1994 there one one municipality in Thailand - which is wrong as there were already 119 municipalities in 1972. However, what is true is that Chiang Mai was the only municipality of "Thesaban Nakhon" level after Thonburi and Phra Nakhon were merged, and until Nakhon Si Thammarat was upgraded to this highest municipal level. The other odd statement in the article is that BMA is responsible for four provinces, but in real it is only responsible for the special administrative area of Bangkok, which is something like a province.

Whereas in Tanets talk the Provincial Administrative Organizations are mentioned, both articles don't mention that these local administrations were changed into fully elected bodies after the 1997 constitution. The the issue of elected vs. appointed province governors was in the political debate in the 1990s, yet the powerful Ministry of Interior at that time was able to block these proposals, and to get the topic from the agenda it gave the electorate these rather powerless local governments in parallel to the centrally controlled province administration.

Province governor reshuffle

With the end of the fiscal year, its traditionally also the date on which the province governors get transferred to new provinces, or to other posts within the Ministry of Interior, as well as deputy governors getting promoted to governors and assigned their first province.

The first part of this annual reshuffle has already been announced in the Royal Gazette on September 15, a total of 24 officials being reassigned to new posts. Out of these, there are four governors transferred to other positions within the ministry, 16 governors being transferred to new provinces, and one transferred from a post within the MOI to become province governor - the other three are transfers from and to other posts only. All of the transfers are effective October 1.

Due to lack of time I don't write up the full list here, you can find it either in the Gazette announcement, or translated into XML in my data collection. The second part of the reshuffle, the promotion of deputy governors, isn't published in the Gazette yet, but was already published in the press - I'll add it as soon as I see the announcement. And as usual, sadly the names of those governors who will retire is not listed anywhere, so can only guess them from the posts which get assigned a new name without any transfer of the previous incumbent.

Province governor transfer

With the 20th announcement by the military junta of this year, and using the absolute power of article 44 of the interim constitution, on April 4th ten officials were reassigned to new posts effective immediately.

• Sak Somboonto (ศักดิ์ สมบุญโต), province governor in Kanchanaburi, transferred to a post in the Ministry of Interior.
• Natthapat Suwanprateep (ณัฐภัทร สุวรรณประทีป), province governor in Kalasin, transferred to a post in the Ministry of Interior.
• Boonsong Techamaneesathit (บุญส่ง เตชะมณีสถิตย์), province governor in Chiang Rai, transferred to a post in the Ministry of Interior.
• Chockchai Dejamornthan (โชคชัย เดชอมรธัญ), province governor in Phuket, transferred to a post in the Ministry of Interior.
• Surapol Sawaengsak (สุรพล แสวงศักดิ์), province governor in Ratchaburi, transferred to a post in the Ministry of Interior.
• Pasin Komolwit (พศิน โกมลวิชญ์), province governor in Singburi, transferred to a post in the Ministry of Interior.
• Suwit Khamdee (สุวิทย์ คําดี) becoming new province governor of Kalasin.
• Narongsak Osatthanakorn (ณรงศักดิ์ โอสถธนากร) becoming new province governor of Chiang Rai.
• Nopparat Plongthong (นรภัทร ปลอดทอง) becoming new province governor of Phuket.
• Chaiwat Chuenkum (ชัยวัฒน์ ชื่นโกสุม) becoming new province governor of Ratchaburi.

Reporting on this transfer, neither Bangkok Post, Phuket Gazette or The Nation give any reason for these unusual transfers - normally province governors are transferred at the end of the fiscal year on October 1st only. To my knowledge, the transfer to unspecific posts in the Ministry is usually a punitive action for under-performing governors, but since the Prime Minister didn't give any reasons for the transfer nor did the press report anything, this only speculation by myself.

Province governor reshuffle, part 2

Again it was the Phuket Gazette which made me notice the second part of the province governor reshuffle, this time six reassignments approved by the cabinet in their meeting on Tuesday. The full list of new governors according to the government news agency is as listed below. Hopefully my romanizations of the names aren't too wrong. With this list the reshuffle should be complete, as now no province has its governor post vacant anymore.

• Suchin Chaichumsak (นายสุจินต์ ไชยชุมศักดิ์), governor of Nakhon Nayok to become governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
• Chokchai Detamornthan (นายโชคชัย เดชอมรธัญ), governor of Maha Sarakham to become governor of Phuket.
• Suwat Phromsuwan (นายสุวัฒน์ พรมสุวรรณ), governor of Nan to become governor of Lampang.
• Phaisan Wimonrat (นายไพศาล วิมลรัตน์), deputy governor of Chachoengsao to become governor of Nan.
• Narongsak Chaloemkiat (นายณรงค์ศักดิ์ เฉลิมเกียรติ), deputy governor of Samut Sakhon to become governor of Phayao.
• Wirasak Wichitsaengsi (นายวีระศักดิ์ วิจิตร์แสงศรี), deputy governor of Suphanburi to become governor of Phichit.
• Phibun Thatthakitkoson (นายพิบูลย์ หัตถกิจโกศล), deputy governor of Pathum Thani to become governor of Phetchabun (in source wrongly said Phetchaburi).
• Watthana Phutichat (นายวัฒนา พุฒิชาติ), deputy governor of Si Sa Ket to become governor of Phrae.
• Suebsak Iamwichan (นายสืบศักดิ์ เอี่ยมวิจารณ์), deputy governor of Sing Buri to become governor of Mae Hong Son.
• Wirachai Phuphiangchai (นายวีระชัย ภู่เพียงใจ), deputy governor of Uttaradit to become governor of Lamphun.
• Nathaphat Suwanprathip (นายณัฐภัทร สุวรรณประทีป), deputy governor of Lopburi to become governor of Kalasin.
• Phisut Butyapronpheng (นายพิสุทธิ์ บุษยพรรณพงศ์), deputy governor of Ubon Ratchathani to become governor of Bueng Kan.
• Sen Nonthachot (นายเสน่ห์ นนทะโชติ), deputy governor of Loei to become governor of Maha Sarakham.
• Sarit Witoon (นายสฤษดิ์ วิฑูรย์), assistant permanent secretary to become governor of Roi Et.
• Khumphon Bonthaithuk (นายคุมพล บรรเทาทุกข์), deputy governor of Sakon Nakhon to become governor of Loei.
• Witthaya Chanchalong (นายวิทยา จันทร์ฉลอง), deputy governor of Buriram to become governor of Sakon Nakhon.
• Thanakon Ingchitphaisan (นายธนากร อึ้งจิตรไพศาล), deputy governor of Phitsanulok to become governor of Nong Bua Lam Phu.
• Sirirat Khumupkan (นายสิริรัฐ ขุมอุปการ), deputy governor of Khon Kaen to become governor of Amnat Charoen.
• Narong Phonla-iat (นายณรงค์ พลละเอียด), deputy governor of Ranong to become governor of Chumphon.
• Siriphat Phatkun (นายศิริพัฒ พัฒกุล), deputy governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat to become governor of Trang.
• Wiranan Phengchan (นายวีรนันทน์ เพ็งจันทร์), deputy governor of Pattani to become governor of Pattani.
• Chatuphot Piyampura (นายจตุพจน์ ปิยัมปุตระ), deputy governor of Ranong to become governor of Ranong.
• Aichai Innat (นายอวยชัย อินทร์นาค), deputy governor of Surat Thani to become governor of Surat Thani.
• Nimit Wanchaithonwong (นายนิมิต วันไชยธนวงศ์), deputy governor of Yala to become governor of Chainat.
• Pradit Yomanan (นายประดิษฐ์ ยมานันท์), deputy director general to become governor of Nakhon Nayok.
• Khanchat Tansathian (นายคันฉัตร ตันเสถียร), deputy governor of Ubon Ratchathani to become governor of Samut Songkhram.
• Sanrong Phongcharoen (นายกล้าณรงค์ พงษ์เจริญ), deputy governor of Chanthaburi to become governor of Sa Kaeo.

Interesting to note - this year it was the first time the reshuffle was also announced in the Royal Gazette - part one can now also be found officially here. In the 1950s there were some announcements on province governor assignments, but since then it was only done by ministerial orders.

2016 province governor reshuffle - part one

Phuket Gazette reports that the province governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada has been assigned as the new governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, notifying me that the annual reshuffle of the governors has already begun. I found the full list of 19 transfers on Channel 7, but I will omit those which are not related to province governors. There will be further reassignments and also promotions of vice governors later to fill the vacancies, so this is only the the first part of annual reshuffle.

• Prayoon Rattanasenee (นายประยูร รัตนเสนีย์), governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, becomes deputy secretary of the Interior.
• Dejrath Simsiri (นายเดชรัฐ สิมศิริ), governor of Trang, becomes inspector-general in the MOI.
• Sanit Khaosa-at (นายสนิท ขาวสะอาด), governor of Phetchaburi, becomes inspector-general in the MOI.
• Supachai Iamsuwan (นายศุภชัย เอี่ยมสุวรรณ), governor of Phayao, becomes governor of Phitsanulok.
• Surasak Charoensirichot (นายสุรศักดิ์ เจริญศิริโชติ), governor of Uttaradit, becomes governor of Rayong.
• Phiphat Ekphaphan (นายพิพัฒน์ เอกภาพันธ์), governor of Mae Hong Son, becomes governor of Uttaradit.
• Chatchai Uthaipun (นายชาติชาย อุทัยพันธ์), governor of Nakhon Pathom, becomes governor of Samut Prakan.
• Adiak Thepeat (นายอดิศักดิ์ เทพอาสน์), governor of Sakon Nakhon, becomes governor of Nakhon Pathom.
• Anuson Kaeokangwan (นายอนุสรณ์ แก้วกังวาล), governor of Roi Et, becomes governor of Buri Ram.
• Chamroen Tipayapongtada (นายจำเริญ ทิพญพงศ์ธาดา), governor of Phuket, becomes governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• Phakwan Thianthai (นายภัควรรณ์ เทียนไชย), governor of Sa Kaeo, becomes governor of Chonburi.
• Suriya Omrarotwonwuthi (นายสุริยะ อมรโรจน์วรวุฒิ), governor of Pattani, becomes governor of Prachinburi.
• Banthit Thewithiwarak (นายบัณฑิต เทวีทิวารักษ์), governor of Phetchabun, becomes governor of Sara Buri.
• Chatporn Rajdussadee (นางฉัตรพร ราษฎร์ดุษดี), governor of Phichit, becomes governor of Phetchaburi.
• Phongsak Prichawit (นายพงษ์ศักดิ์ ปรีชาวิทย์), governor of Bueng Kan, becomes governor of Khon Kaen.
• Pasin Komolvieh (นายพศิน โกมลวิชญ์), governor of Nong Bua Lam Phu, becomes governor of Sing Buri.

Of these, the governor of Nakhon Pathom, Phetchabun and Bueng Kan were two years at his current position and the one from Sa Kaeo for four years, all other were reassigned after one year already. The governor of Pattani even just started in March this year when he replaced the governor removed by NCPO order 12/2016. Several of those governors replaced are in fact retired, unlike other years I was able to find the list of the 21 governors leaving government service this time as well.

Province governor reshuffle 2015

As the fiscal year in Thailand ends today, this is also the standard date for the province governor reshuffle, many province governors had their last working day today and either retire or move to a new position. And of course also the now vacant positions get refilled by promotions of deputy governors. The reassignments were already confirmed by the cabinet on September 8, and though I added them into my XML files I was to busy to report them here yet. As there are quite a lot of transfers, I don't list each name individually, just listing the numbers and notable special cases.

Altogether 58 positions were changed, 54 of them effective October 1st and another four on October 2nd. The transfers split into these categories:

• 21 province governors get transferred to another province
• 22 deputy province governors get promoted to province governors, three of them staying in the same province
• 10 become province governors from other positions in the Ministry of Interior
• 3 province governors get transferred to other positions not related to province governors
• 1 deputy governor gets transferred to another position
• 1 gets transferred from positions not related to province governors

One of transfers effective October 2nd is quite odd - Phakaphong Tavipatana (ภัคพงษ์ ทวิพัฒน์) gets transferred as governor from Surin to Phang Nga, but he will assume office in Surin just one day before on October 1st being promoted from the deputy governor position in Sara Buri. There was a similar kind of transfer two years ago, but it remains strange.

There are some province governor positions vacant after these transfers, I haven't yet checked if a second batch of promotions was approved in the meantime as I was still busy working through the old census data - more on that soon.

Removing officials

On June 25, the military junta announced the suspensions or transfer of 70 government officials for suspected corruption in their order 19/2015. The list contains both officials appointed by the Ministry of Interior and other ministries, as well as elected officials from the local government units, including some relatively well-known PAO chairmen. See for example the Phuket Gazette article on PAO chairman Phaibun Upatising. Out of the 70, the following are those posts which I am usually taking a closer look at.

• 1 vice province governor (รองผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด)
• 7 PAO chairmen (นายกองค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัด)
• 14 TAO mayor (นายกองค์การบริหารส่วนตำบล), 3 deputy TAO mayor (รองนายกองค์การบริหารส่วนตำบล)
• 17 municipality mayors (นายกเทศมนตรี), 1 member of the municipal council (สมาชิกสภาเทศบาล)
• 1 PAO clerk (ปลัดองค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัด), 1 TAO clerk (ปลัดองค์การบริหารส่วนตำบล), 2 municipal clerks (ปลัดเทศบาล)

While I haven't yet translated the whole lost of these 47 officials into XML, I already noticed two cases where a TAO mayor was removed who had his 4 year term already finished, and thus in normal times would require a new local election. But since all local elections are suspending according to order 85 (and order 86 for Bangkok) of 2014. I am not sure if these are included because their term ended between the compilation of the list and the announcement, or now all elected local officials stay in office indefinitely - order 1/2015 allowed for the terms being extended, but the way I understood it was that any extension of term must be approved by higher authorities first.

In fact, this is already the second order under paragraph 44 removing officials, one month ago order 15/2015 removed 45 officials, that time most of them were appointed officials.

• 1 province governor, 5 district officers
• 13 TAO mayors, 1 deputy TAO mayor (though one of them was mislisted, and was in fact a municipal mayor)
• 3 municipal mayors
• 1 municipal clerk, 1 deputy municipal clerk

Province governor reshuffle 2012 (Part 3)

In last weeks cabinet meeting (November 12), the third part of the province governor reshuffle was approved. A total of 23 posts were reassigned, mostly vice governors being promoted to their first term as a full province governor, replacing the vice governors which were acting province governors after that position became vacant in the earlier reshuffles - or in some cases the acting governor becomes the official governor. The cabinet meeting transcript does not give the date by which the reassignment becomes effect, but from a post in an Amnat Charoen forum it seems they are effective November 19.

As usual the transcription of the names is done manually and hopefully without any big mistakes.

• Wirawat Chuenwarin (นายวีระวัฒน์ ชื่นวาริน), governor of Maha Sarakham to become governor of Amnat Charoen.
• Suwit Subongkot (นายสุวิทย์ สุบงกฎ), vice governor of Kalasin becomes governor of Kalasin.
• Chumphon Saengmani (นายชุมพร แสงมณี), vice governor of Lamphun to become governor of Nan.
• Thongchai Lue-adun (นายธงชัย ลืออดุลย์), vice governor of Mukdahan to become governor of Bueng Kan.
• Aphinan Chansang (นายอภินันท์ จันทรังษี), vice governor of Nakhon Pathom to become governor of Buriram.
• Chuchat Kifapaeng (นายชูชาติ กีฬาแปง), vice governor of Chiang Mai to become governor of Phayao.
• Monthiao Thongnit (นายมณเฑียร ทองนิตย์), deputy director-general in the MOI to become governor of Phetchaburi.
• Aphichat Todilokvet (นายอภิชาติ โตดิลกเวชช์), vice governor of Samut Sakhon to become governor of Phrae.
• Nophawat Singsakda (นายนพวัชร สิงห์ศักดา), vice governor of Udon Thani to ebcome governor of Maha Sarakham.
• Sakonsat Bunpradit (นายสกลสฤษฎ์ บุญประดิษฐ์), vice governor of Nakhon Ratchasima to become governor of Mukdahan.
• Choetsak Champathet (ว่าที่ร้อยตรี เชิดศักดิ์ จำปาเทศ), vice governor of Kanchanaburi to become governor of Ranong.
• Phinit Thanphanit (นายพินิจ หาญพาณิชย์), vice governor of Chiang Rai to become governor of Lamphun.
• Nueachai Chiraaphirak (นายเหนือชาย จิระอภิรักษ์), vice governor of Chumphon to become governor of Satun.
• Phakthon Thianchai (นายภัครธรณ์ เทียนไชย), vice governor of Chonburi to become gopvernor of Sa Kaeo.
• Suraphon Saengsak (นายสุรพล แสวงศักดิ์), vice governor of Ratchaburi to become governor of Singburi
• Mrs. Sumitra Sisombat (นางสุมิตรา ศรีสมบัติ), vice governor of Chachoengsao to become governor of Sukhothai
• Suphat Sisunthonohinit (นายสุภัทร์ ศรีสุนทรพินิต), vice governor of Suphanburi to begcome governor of Suphanburi
• Chatpong Chatphut (นายฉัตรป้อง ฉัตรภูติ), deputy director-general in the MOI to become governor of Surat Thani .
• Chaloemchai Phoengkhon (นายเฉลิมชัย เฟื่องคอน), vice governor of Uttaradit to become governor of Uttaradit.
• Phongsathon Satchacholaphan (นายพงศธร สัจจชลพันธ์), vice governor of Kanchanaburi to become inspector general in the MOI.
• Pradit Sukontasawat (นายประดิษฐ์ สุคนธสวัสดิ์), vice governor of Narathiwat to become inspector general in the MOI.
• Athit Bunyasophat (ว่าที่ร้อยตำรวจโท อาทิตย์ บุญญะโสภัต), deputy director-general in the department of disaster prevention and mitigation to become inspector general in the office of the office of the permanent secretary.
• Nisit Chansomwong (นายนิสิต จันทร์สมวงศ์), deputy director-general in the department of community development to become inspector general in the office of the office of the permanent secretary.

Province governor reshuffle 2012 - Part 2

In the cabinet meeting Tuesday last week, the province governor reshuffle list was approved, filling the vacancies created by retired and promoted governors. A total of 24 officials are t change post with immediate effect. The province governor posts which become vacant due to these transfers will be filled in another reshuffle by promotion of vice governors. The new governors took office on October 8, as found in the governor list of Chanthaburi, also that day the new Phuket governor arrived on the island.

The full list as found in the cabinet meeting transcript, with the governor romanizations done by me, hopefully without any big mistake.

1. Pracha Terat (นายประชา เตรัตน์), deputy secretary in the office of the permanent secretary to become inspector general in the office of the permanent secretary.
2. Charin Chakkaphak (นายจรินทร์ จักกะพาก), governor of Sakon Nakhon to become deputy secretary in the office of the permanent secretary.
3. Bunsong Techamanisat (นายบุญส่ง เตชะมณีสถิตย์), deputy director in DOLA to become governor of Sakon Nakhon.
4. Somsak Suwansucharit (นายสมศักดิ์ สุวรรณสุจริต), governor of Kalasin to become governor of Khon Kaen
5. Seni Chitkasem (นายเสนีย์ จิตตเกษม), governor of Rayong to become governor of Udon Thani
6. Wichit Chatphaisit (นายวิชิต ชาตไพสิฐ), governor of Chanthaburi to become governor of Rayong
7. Surachai Khan-asa (นายสุรชัย ขันอาสา), governor of Lamphun to become governor of Chanthaburi
8. Phonsak Choennai (นายพรศักดิ์ เจียรณัย), governor of Bueng Kan to become governor of Chaiyaphum
9. Phirasak Hinmueangkao (นายพีระศักดิ์ หินเมืองเก่า), governor of Ranong to become governor of Chumphon
10. Thanin Suphasaen (นายธานินทร์ สุภาแสน), governor of Chiang Rai to become governor of Chiang Mai
11. Phongsak Wangsamao (นายพงษ์ศักดิ์ วังเสมอ), governor of Nan to become governor of Chiang Rai
12. Wanchat Wongchaichana (นายวันชาติ วงษ์ชัยชนะ), governor of Roi Et to become governor of Nakhon Pathom
13. Somsak Khamthawiphrom (นายสมศักดิ์ ขำทวีพรหม), inspector-general in the office of the permanent secretary to become governor of Roi Et
14. Winay Buapradit (นายวินัย บัวประดิษฐ์), governor of Phetchaburi to become governor of Nakhon Ratchasima
15. Pricha Roengchan (นายปรีชา เรืองจันทร์), governor of Nakhon Sawan to become governor of Phitsanulok
16. Chaiyarot Midaeng (นายชัยโรจน์ มีแดง), governor of Phitsanulok to become governor of Nakhon Sawan
17. Siriphong Thantrakun (นายศิริพงศ์ ห่านตระกูล), inspector-general in the office of the permanent secretary to become governor of Pathum Thani
18. Pramut Lamun (นายประมุข ลมุล), inspector-general in the office of the permanent secretary to become governor of Pattani
19. Chakrin Plianwong (นายจักริน เปลี่ยนวงษ์), governor of Sukhothai to become governor of Phichit
20. Maitri Inthusut (นายไมตรี อินทุสุต), governor of Phayao to become governor of Phuket
21. Phichet Phaibunsiri (นายพิเชษฐ ไพบูลย์ศิริ), governor of Singburi to become governor of Lopburi
22. Khanit Iamrahong (นายคณิต เอี่ยมระหงษ์), governor of Buriram to become governor of Samut Prakan
23. Wanchai Sutthiwonchai (นายวันชัย สุทธิวรชัย), inspector-general in the office of the permanent secretary to become governor of Ubon Ratchathani
24. Kamthon Thawonsathit (นายกำธร ถาวรสถิต์), governor of Amnat Charoen to become inspector-general in the office of the permanent secretary.

Province governor reshuffle 2012 delayed

On October 1st, a total of 19 province governors are set to retire, not sure if this number already includes the four province governor posts which become vacant due to the already approved promotions of governors. However, to be effective on October 1st, the reshuffle list would have to be considered and approved in the cabinet meeting on Tuesday - but it wasn't placed on the agenda because the Interior Minister did not attend the meeting. In fact, he was even slated to chair the meeting since the Prime Minister was at the United Nations and thus not available.

However, the Mr Yongyuth skipped the meeting and assigned Deputy PM Chalerm Yoobamrung to chair the Cabinet session instead.
The meeting lasted only 45 minutes and did not consider the annual reshuffle of provincial governors as Mr Yongyuth had planned.
Phuket Gazette, Phuket Vice Governor to take the big chair on October 1, 2012-09-27

One could speculate that maybe the reshuffle list wasn't yet approved by Thaksin, but it seems the more obvious reason came public today. Interior Minister Yongyuth resigned as he was recently found guilty in a corruption case dating ten years back, but which was amnestied in 2007 already.

Mr Yongyuth sent a signal that he might resign when he did not attend the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. His move came after the opposition threatened to censure him.
Bangkok Post, Yongyuth resigns from cabinet, 2012-09-28

Thus until a new Interior Minister is in office, there are only unofficial reshuffle lists circulating, and the 19 provinces will be lead by one of their deputy province governors as acting governor.

Province governor transfer 2012 (Part 1)

The annual province governor reshuffle has begun. In the cabinet meeting on September 4 the first part of the reshuffle list compiled by the Ministry of Interior was approved, moving four province governors to other posts within the ministry.

Most notable is probably the case of the Chiang Mai governor Mom Luang Panadda Diskul, a grandson of Prince Damrong, was moved to an inactive post as deputy permanent secretary. As he belongs to the Royalist faction and was appointed to this prestigious province by the Democrat led government in 2010, it is no big surprise he wasn't able to keep this position now Pheu Thai leads the government. As The Nation reports

In June 2011, Pheu Thai member Chalerm Yoobamrung said Pannadda would definitely face the axe if the Pheu Thai won an election and became a coalition leader.

This promise by the Deputy Prime Minister was kept, though it is a bit surprising it wasn't done in last year's reshuffle already. Note that it is not the fact that he did not stay in the province which is the punishment, it is the inactive position which he was assigned. It is quite normal that province governors receive new posts after one or two years in one province, only rarely a governor stays longer in one province.

The other notable change is that the province governor of Nakhon Ratchasima will become new director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA, strangely abbreviated by The Nation as PAD). Also the other two transfers are promotions to become heads of departments within the MOI.

The full list of transfers approved found in the cabinet meeting transcript now consists of seven transfers, of which only four are province governors. All the transfers will be effective October 1st.

• Mom Luang Panadda Diskul (ม.ล.ปนัดดา ดิศกุล), governor of Chiang Mai to become deputy permanent secretary in the MOI.
• Chuan Sirinanporn (นายชวน ศิรินันท์พร), governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, to become director-general of DOPA.
• Kaenphet Chuangrangsee (นายแก่นเพชร ช่วงรังษี), governor of Udon Thani, to become director-general of the Department of Local Administration (DOLA).
• Chatchai Phromlert (นายฉัตรชัย พรหมเลิศ), governor of Lopburi, to become director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Three more province governors appointed

Only by chance I checked the transcript of yesterdays cabinet meeting as the agenda included a topic "การแต่งตั้งข้าราชการให้ดำรงตำแหน่งประเภทบริหารระดับสูง (กระทรวงมหาดไทย)" - Appointment of senior officials (Ministry of Interior). And to my surprise, I found that it were three more province governors which were appointed, I didn't realize that with the previous list of appointments there were still provinces left without a new governor.

1. Surachai Sisankham (นายสุรชัย ศรีสารคาม), deputy governor of Nakhon Yaok becomes governor of Nakhon Nayok.
2. Suriya Prasatbanthit (นายสุริยะ ประสาทบัณฑิตย์), deputy governor of Pathum Thani becomes governor of Tak
3. Chitra Phrahomchutina (นางสาวจิตรา พรหมชุติมา), deputy governor of Prachinburi becomes governor of Prachinburi

As the third new governor is female, there are now two female province governors, not sure if this isn't even already a new record number - the first ever female province governor was assigned in 1993, and there were only few further female governors after that. The Thai administration is still very much male-dominated.

Thursday linkage

Mark at travelfish takes a quick look at the most common words found in geographical names in Thailand, like the word Chiang found for several northern Thai provinces and districts.

 Richard Barrow visited Nakhon Phanom recently and posted a photo of the former residence of the province governor. This historic building now houses a local museum, photos of the interior are found in Richards Facebook gallery. If I'd ever make it to this remote northeastern province, this museum will be on the list of places I have to visit.

 Bangkok Library has posted two sets [1,2] of Bangkok district maps taken from documents of the BMA - see for example this map of Taling Chan showing the peculiar shape of Khlong Chakphra subdistrict (แขวงคลองชักพระ), covering just a narrow strip of land along the canal. The maps are however a bit outdated, the latest subdistricts aren't included, e.g. at Don Mueang.

Province governor reshuffle 2011, part II

In the cabinet meeting on December 27th, the second part of the province governor reshuffle was approved, filling the vacancies left by the first part of the reshuffle.

• Kamthon Thawonsathit (นายกำธร ถาวรสถิตย์, governor of Mae Hong Son becomes governor of Amnat Charoen.
  
• Sutthiphong Chuncharoen (นายสุทธิพงษ์ จุลเจริญ), governor of Nakhon Nayok becomes inspector-general in the Ministry.
  
• Siriphong Thantrakun (นายศิริพงษ์ ห่านตระกูล), governor of Prachinburi becomes inspector-general.
  
• Samarot Loifa (นายสามารถ ลอยฟ้า), governor of Tak becomes inspector-general.
  
• Chaiwat Limwanta (นายชัยวัฒน์ ลิมป์วรรณธะ), deputy govenor of Kanchanaburi become governor of Kanchanaburi.
  
• Chana Napsuwan(นายชนะ นพสุวรรณ), deputy governor of Samut Prakan becomes governor of Chaiyaphum.
  
• Thanin Suphasaen (นายธานินทร์ สุภาแสน), deputy governor of Mae Hong Son becomes governor of Chiang Rai.
  
• Nimit Chanwimon (นายนิมิต จันทน์วิมล), deputy governor of Nakhon Pathom becomes governor of Nakhon Pathom.
  
• Anukun Tangkhananukunchai (นายอนุกูล ตังคณานุกูลชัย), deputy governor of Khon Kaen becomes governor of Nakhon Phanom.
  
• Aphinan Suethanuwong (นายอภินันท์ ซื่อธานุวงศ์), deputy governor of Yala to become governor of Narathiwat.
  
• Khanit Iamrahong (นายคณิต เอี่ยมระหงษ์), deputy governor of Uttaradit to become governor of Buriram.
  
• Chirayut Watnarat (นายจิรายุทธ วัจนะรัตน์), deputy governor of Phetchabun to become goveror of Phetchabun.
  
• Kasem Watanaram (นายเกษม วัฒนธรรม), deputy governor of Nan to become governor of Phrae.
  
• Wirawat Chinwarin (นายวีระวัฒน์ ชื่นวาริน), deputy director-general at the Department of Local Administration to become governor of Maha Sarakham.
  
• Prawat Thithakaeo (นายประวัติ ถีถะแก้ว), deputy governor of Yasothon to become governor of Yasothon.
  
• Decharat Simsiri (นายเดชรัฐ สิมศิริ), deputy governor of Narathiwat to become governor of Yala.
  
• Bunchoet Khithen (นายบุญเชิด คิดเห็น), deputy director-general at the Land Department to become governor of Lampang.
  
• Prathip Kintirecha (นายประทีป กีรติเรขา), deputy director-general at the Department of Disaster Prevention to become governor of Sisaket.
  
• Phisan Thongloet (นายพิศาล ทองเลิศ), duputy governor of Songkhla to become governor of Satun
  
• Narumon Panwat (นางนฤมล ปาลวัฒน์), deputy governor of Chiang Mai becomes governor of Mae Hong Son
  

With the last entry in this list, there's now again one female province governor and 75 male governors...

Province governor reshuffle list 2011

In the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, apart from the controversial Royal pardon, the list of the annual province governor reshuffle was approved, moving 32 officials from or to province governor posts. The complete list as found in the cabinet meeting transcript is below. I only cannot find yet at which date the transfers become effective. The romanization of the Thai names was done by me and is probably often not identical with the spelling used by the corresponding officials.

• Chonchuen Bunyanusan (นายชนม์ชื่น บุญญานุสาสน์) from a post in the Ministry to become province governor of Ratchaburi.
• Wangchat Wongchaichana (นายวันชาติ วงษ์ชัยชนะ), province governor of Ranong to become Inspector-General in the MOI.
• Phirasak Hinmueangkao (นายพีระศักดิ์ หินเมืองเก่า), Inspector-General in the MOI to become province governor of Ranong.
• Surachai Chanasa (นายสุรชัย ขันอาสา), Director-General of the CDD to become province governor of Lamphun.
• Praphat Bunyin (นายประภาศ บุญยินดี), province governor of Samut Songkhram to become Director-General of the CDD.
• Thanon Wetkonkanon (นายธนน เวชกรกานนท์), province governor of Narathiwat to become province governor of Samut Songkhram.
• Choetsak Chusi (นายเชิดศักดิ์ ชูศรี), province governor of Samut Prakan to Inspector-General in the MOI.
• Wanida Bunprakhong (นางวรรณิดา บุญประคอง), Inspector-General in the MOI to become province governor of Samut Prakan.
• Wichit Chatphosit (นายวิชิต ชาตไพสิฐ), province governor of Chonburi to become province governor of Chanthaburi.
• Khomsan Ekchai (นายคมสัน เอกชัย), province governor of Udon Thani to become province governor of Chonburi.
• Kaenphet Chuangrang (นายแก่นเพชร ช่วงรังษี), province governor of Amnat Charoen to become province governor of Udon Thani.
• Wiyon Thongsakun (นายวิญญู ทองสกุล), province governor of Songkhla to become province governor of Phatthalung.
• Kruesada Bunrat (นายกฤษฎา บุญราช), province governor of Yala to become province governor of Songkhla.
• Thani Samarotkit (นายธานี สามารถกิจ), province governor of Buriram to become Inspector-General in the MOI.
• Maitri Inthusut (นายไมตรี อินทุสุต), province governor of Trang to become province governor of Phayao.
• Seni Chitotkasem (นายเสนีย์ จิตตเกษม), province governor of Nan to become province governor of Trang.
• Phonsak Wangsemo (นายพงษ์ศักดิ์ วังเสมอ), province governor of Phayao to become province governor of Nan.
• Winai Buapradit (นายวินัย บัวประดิษฐ์), province governor of Nong Bua Lamphu to become province governor of Phetchaburi.
• Raphi Phongbupkit (นายระพี ผ่องบุพกิจ), province governor of Nakhon Ratchasima to become province governor of Nong Bua Lamphu.
• Chuan Sirinanphon (นายชวน ศิรินันท์พร), province governor of Phrae to become province governor of Nakhon Ratchasima.
• Kitti Sapwisut (นายกิตติ ทรัพย์วิสุทธิ์), province governor of Chachoengsao to become Inspector-General in the MOI.
• Roengsak Mahawinitchaimontri (นายเริงศักดิ์ มหาวินิจฉัยมนตรี), province governor of Nakhon Phanom to become province governor of Chacheongsao.
• Nattaphon Wichianphrit (นายณฐพลษ์ วิเชียรเพริศ), province governor of Kanchanaburi to become Inspector-General in the MOI.
• Somchai Thathayatin (นายสมชัย หทยะตันติ), province governor of Chiang Rai to become Inspector-General in the MOI.
• Thira Minsasak (นายธีระ มินทราศักดิ์), province governor of Nakhon Ratchasima to become province governor of Pattani.
• Wirong Chiwarangsan (นายวิโรจน์ จิวะรังสรรค์), province governor of Kalasin to become province governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• Somsak Suwansutrit (นายสมศักดิ์ สุวรรณสุจริต), province governor of Sisaket to become province governor of Kalasin.
• Somphong Arunrongpanya (นายสมพงษ์ อรุณโรจน์ปัญญา), province governor of Bueng Kan to become province governor of Loei.
• Phonsak Chianyai (นายพรศักดิ์ เจียรณัย), province governor of Loei to become province governor of Bueng Kan.
• Charinot Chakkaphak (นายจรินทร์ จักกะพาก), province governor of Chaiyaphum to become province governor of Sakon Nakhon.
• Saroem Chaiyanrong (นายเสริม ไชยณรงค์), province governor of Surin to become Inspector-General in the MOI.
• Niran Kanyanikhon (นายนิรันดร์ กัลยาณมิตร), Deputy Director-General in the MOI to become province governor of Surin.

Finally, the term of Somsak Phurisisak (นายสมศักย์ ภูรีศรีศักดิ์), governor of Suphanburi has been extended till September 2012, if I understand right he was originally set to retire this year. Interestingly, he is in office since 2006, really long as most governors get transferred after one or two years already.

The cabinet list also includes the change for the Director-General of the Department of Local Administration (DOLA), now led by Weerayuth Iamampha (นายวีระยุทธ เอี่ยมอำภา).

This list is not the complete reshuffle list yet, as the promotions of deputy province governors to province governors will probably be done in one of the next cabinet meetings.

Pathum Thani governor transferred

The floods in central Thailand have now reached into the topic of this blog as well, as now the governor of the completely inundated Pathum Thani province has been transferred to a post in the Interior Ministry. As Bangkok Post reports

The cabinet on Tuesday approved the Interior Ministry's proposal for the transfer of Pathum Thani governor Pirasak Hinmuangkao to the position of inspector-general at the ministry. Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit said Kachornsak Singtokul, deputy director-general of the Provincial Administration Department, has been appointed acting Pathum Thani governor. He said there should be no problems for Mr Kachornsak in taking over Mr Pirasak's duties since he formerly served as a district chief in many districts.

The transcript of the cabinet meeting however states concerning

2. นายขจรศักดิ์ สิงโตกุล รองผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด (นักปกครองต้น) จังหวัดปทุมธานี ให้ดำรงตำแหน่งผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด (นักปกครองสูง) จังหวัดปทุมธานี Kachornsak Singtokul, Deputy Province Governor of Pathum Thani transferred to post of province governor of Pathum Thani.

So both the original position of the new governor is wrong in one source, and also whether he became acting governor or full governor. I usually tend to believe the government document over the press, but on the other hand the list of governors and deputy governors of Pathum Thani does not list Kachornsak - or it is hopelessly out of date. Though the Interior Minister did not comment on plans to transfer other province governors of flooded provinces, this for sure won't be the only transfer - the annual reshuffle is already overdue as well, that one normally happened as of October 1st. That one is probably delayed due to the many transfers the new government has done, and the governors as a lower level in the bureaucracy hasn't been reached yet.

Generic Email addresses for administration officers

A reader asked me on a way to contact the province governors and the mayors in order to get interviews for a thesis. Though I have my doubt there will be much response to his attempt, I could help him by remembering that on amphoe.com I had seen the email address of the district officers in a standardized way. For example the personnel page for Mueang Surat Thani lists the district officer with the address m84010001@dopa.go.th, and for those who know the geocodes for the districts used by the Ministry of Interior and the national standard TIS1099 will quickly recognize the 8401 as the code for the district.

From this, Google quickly let me find the full list of this kind of email addresses for Surat Thani province, which includes some personnel at the district level as well as some at the province level. The table below shows all the positions with their generic email address, one only has to exchange the XX with the code for the entity where that person works.

• Province level
  
  • mXX000001@dopa.go.th Province Governor (ผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด)
    
  • mXX001001@dopa.go.th Secretary of Province Governor (เลขาผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด)
    
  • mXX000010@dopa.go.th Deputy Province Governor (ปลัดจังหวัด)
    
  • mXX000011@dopa.go.th Chief of Provincial Administration Group (จ่าจังหวัด)
    
  • mXX000012@dopa.go.th Chief of Security Affairs Group (ป้องกันจังหวัด)
    
  • mXX000013@dopa.go.th Chief of the Local Government Branch (ผู้ตรวจการส่วนท้องถิ่นจังหวัด)
    
  • mXX000014@dopa.go.th Chief of the Finance and Accounting Branch (เสมียนตราจังหวัด)
    
• District level
  
  • mXXXX0001@dopa.go.th District head officer (นายอำเภอ)
    
  • mXXXX0010@dopa.go.th Head of Registration (หัวหน้าฝ่ายทะเบียนและบัตรอำเภอ)
    
• Municipalities
  
  • mXXXX0001@dopa.go.th Municipal clerk (ปลัดเทศบาล)
    
  • mXXXX0010@dopa.go.th Head of Registration (หัวหน้าฝ่ายทะเบียนและบัตรเทศบาล)
    

Interesting to note are the two municipality entries. These only cover the positions directly under the Department of Provincial Administration, whereas the mayor and most of the other personnel inside the municipal administration are independent. I really should research a bit the administrative structure within a municipal administration, but the fact that every municipality has two officers directly sent by the central government shows about how serious the government is with the decentralization.

Thursday linkage

Korat Weekends pays a visit to the residence of the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, which was open to the public on the occasion of the Thao Suranaree Victory Celebration Fair 2011. Sadly he gave no description on what is actually depicted on the several photos in there.

Vice province governor transfers

On November 13 the Interior Ministry has approved the list of transfers for the vice province governors (รองผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัด), a total of 69 officials get transferred to new positions. Don't worry, I won't list all of the names here, for anyone who wants the whole list in Thai is found on this local Phuket news site, as one of the transfers bring back Weerawat Janpen (นายวีระวัฒน์ จันทร์เพ็ญ) to Phuket as his final position before retirement - he had been district officer in Mueang Phuket district in 2001. The transfers become effective November 29.

The total number of 69 transfers breaks down into five categories:

• 19 vice governors get transferred to a new province
• 10 vice governors become acting vice governors of another province
• 14 deputy governors (ปลัดจังหวัด) become vice governors
• 7 other officials become vice governors
• 19 deputy governors become acting vice governors

Another province governor transfer

Thanks to Richard Barrow, who spotted it in a Thai online news site and alerted me, the cabinet has withdrawn the province governor reshuffle list from their meeting on August 31 and September 28, and created a new reshuffle and promotion list in their November 2 meeting. Though however with regards to the province governor, the list is almost identical to the one from end of September, with only two changes:

• Thani Samarotkit (ธานี สามารถกิจ), originally transferred from the deputy governor post Chonburi to Pathum Thani, becomes governor of Buriram instead.
  
• Phirasak Hinmueangkao (พีระศักดิ์ หินเมืองเก่า), originally staying in Buriram, get transferred to Pathum Thani.
  

According to Khun Wisarut, the main political commenter (though sadly always strongly leaning to the PAD viewpoint) on the 2bangkok forum this change was done as Phirasak Hinmueangkao is expected to deal better with the red shirts still active in Pathum Thani. And as governor of Buriram he is connected with Bhum Jai Thai de-facto leader Newin as well.

Just wondering now if the two governors were counted as governors of their original assigned provinces for the last month making Thani one of the governors with the shortest terms in office, or whether the new transfer is effective retrospective and thus the original one nullified. The governor lists at the Buriram or Pathum Thani websites right now have no update yet. For my XML I have chosen the first interpretation, guessing the new transfer takes effect the day after the cabinet meeting.