Phuket, June 27, 2026 —
The Department of Provincial Administration has ordered the immediate suspension of Phuket Provincial Administrative Chief Officer, Rungreung Thimabutr, following allegations of corruption linked to local government recruitment examinations.
Our previous story:
Now for the update:
Vitthun Sirinukul, Deputy Director-General acting as Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, signed Order No. 1899/2569 directing Rungreung’s removal from duty pending investigation. The decision came after the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 9 issued arrest warrant No. J.12/2569 on June 26th, charging him with soliciting or accepting benefits to improperly influence official actions.
Rungreung was taken into custody and handed over to investigators from the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) for legal proceedings.
The Department stated that the position of provincial chief requires public trust and integrity. Allegations of corruption, it noted, severely undermine confidence in the institution. Given the seriousness of the charges and the likelihood that legal proceedings will take time, the Department concluded that allowing Rungreung to remain in office could cause further damage to the public service.
The suspension is effective immediately. Under civil service regulations, Rungreung retains the right to appeal the order by submitting a written petition to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior within 30 days of receiving notice.
