Government officials return to work

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: Government officials returned to work yesterday as Government House and the Interior Ministry opened for the first time since anti-government protests kicked off – eventually leading to the coup.

Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew, the deputy junta chief who is in charge of special affairs, reported to work at Government House at 7.30am.

Upon arrival, he paid his respects at the spirit house in the compound before leaving for a National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) meeting at Army headquarters.

Similarly, deputy permanent secretary for the Interior Ministry, ML Panadda Diskul, who is now acting permanent secretary for the PM’s Office, reported to work in his new capacity.

Meanwhile, permanent secretary for the Interior, Wibul Sanguanpong, led senior officials to pay their respects at shrines inside the ministry compound at 8.15am.

The senior officials included deputy permanent secretary Jarin Jakkpapak, Provincial Administration Department chief Chatchai Promlert, Public Works Department chief Monthon Sudprasert and Land Department chief Pinij Harnpanit.

Wibul then held a teleconference with senior officials, including provincial governors and told them to implement the NCPO’s roadmap and help reduce political conflicts.

He also told the governors to coordinate with other government agencies in their provinces and implement NCPO policies to maintain peace and order.

He later said he would call a meeting of Government House officials on Thursday.

Separately, there was a clear sign of community spirit when a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration cleaning team working at Victory Monument was joined by vendors, police and soldiers who had been deployed to prevent protests.

— Phuket Gazette Editors