New interior permanent secretary appointed, effective October 1

The Cabinet appointed Ansit Samphantharat as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, effective from October 1. He will succeed Suttipong Juljarern, who will retire at the end of this month.

Ansit currently serves as the director of the Department of Provincial Administration within the ministry. His appointment came alongside the approval of Supachai Pathumnakul as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Supachai is presently the Deputy Permanent Secretary.

Ansit, who will not reach retirement age until 2031, has experienced a notably swift rise within the Thai civil service. Typically, individuals do not attain the top position in a ministry until they are 58 or 59 years old. This rapid ascent has led to speculation regarding his promotion’s reasons.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that Ansit’s appointment was based purely on his qualifications and suitability for the role.

“We work together and respect each other. We will progressively work together and continue our work until the very end.”

Rumours about Ansit’s swift promotion were fuelled by his participation in a gathering at a Khao Yai resort, which was attended by Anutin and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite the speculation, Suttipong is reported to have supported Ansit’s appointment. Both Ansit and Suttipong are graduates of Chulalongkorn University.

Ansit began his career as an analyst for the Chachoengsao administrative office before taking on various administrative roles, including governorships in multiple provinces. He was appointed to lead the Community Development Department in 2022, later moving to the Department of Provincial Administration the following year, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Deputy Interior Minister visited Lamphun to inaugurate the Sustainable Community Income Development Project and encourage provincial development officers. The event took place on June 13, at the Ministry of Interior Market Organisation’s Lamphun branch (Central Tunnel Market). Minister Kriang Kalptinan emphasised the significance of the project, stating its primary objective is to develop, promote, and support marketing channels.