Chiang Rai governor faces probe for absences during flood crisis

Thailand’s Interior Ministry has initiated a disciplinary investigation against the outgoing Chiang Rai governor, Puttipong Sirimart, after his repeated absences during critical flood-relief operations in the province.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the probe yesterday, September 29, just one day before Puttipong’s scheduled retirement.

Anutin, who had previously ordered an investigation into Puttipong’s absences in late August, stated that a new investigation is warranted. The governor was notably absent when Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the majority of the Cabinet were in Chiang Rai to oversee flood relief efforts on Friday and Saturday. Anutin suspected that he left early to attend his retirement party.

“The governor only appeared briefly to meet the prime minister and ministers before departing for Bangkok to attend his retirement party.”

Anutin emphasised that Puttipong’s actions amounted to negligence, insisting that his imminent retirement did not justify neglecting his duties. Anutin declared yesterday that he will order a panel to launch an investigation into Puttipong’s absence.

He further criticised Puttipong’s absence as a “disgrace” to the Interior Ministry.

When Anutin and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai visited the province on August 24, Puttipong was also absent. In response to the reprimand, Puttipong explained that he missed the last flight out of Bangkok to Chiang Rai on August 23, preventing him from attending the meeting.

Chiang Rai is among the provinces severely impacted by the recent floods, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Chiang Rai is gearing up for a massive province-wide cleanup on Sunday, September 29, aiming to restore communities battered by recent floods. Dubbed “Big Cleaning Day,” this operation will target public spaces and homes in eight zones across the capital district, with a special focus on vulnerable residents, including the elderly and disabled.

In other news, over 300 pigs have died after being submerged for three days due to a sudden flood at a farm in the northern province of Lampang, causing significant damage estimated at 21 million baht. The owner of the farm expressed the devastating impact of this year’s flood.