Jirayu Houngsub to become new Thailand govt spokesperson

Jirayu Houngsub, previously a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, is on course to become the new government spokesperson next week.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appointed Jirayu as her public relations adviser yesterday while his credentials are further scrutinised.

The screening process for political appointees intensified due to a surge in ethics-related complaints. The Pheu Thai Party and PM Paetongtarn are currently dealing with at least 12 complaints concerning appointments and other matters. Last month, the court-ordered removal of Srettha Thavisin from the premier’s position was triggered by the appointment of a Cabinet minister with a tainted record.

Traditionally, police only checked the criminal records of candidates for such roles, while the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Council of State verified other qualifications.

Now, additional checks are conducted by various agencies, including the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), the Constitutional Court, the Legal Execution Department, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As the PR adviser to the premier, Jirayu will initially focus on promoting government initiatives before his official appointment as the government spokesperson, reported Bangkok Post.

Yesterday, September 17, six additional individuals were appointed as advisers to the prime minister: Chaikasem Nitisiri, Yuttapong Charasathien, Suwat Liptapanlop, Songkram Kitlertphairoj, Jakkapong Sangmanee, and Thitiwat Adisornphankul.

In related news, the Cabinet appointed Ansit Samphantharat as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, effective October 1. He will succeed Suttipong Juljarern, who retired at the end of August.

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.

In other news, a ruling party loyalist and critic of the central bank governor is set to be nominated as the chair of the Bank of Thailand, as the government seeks to assert influence over the institution amid ongoing disputes over interest rates.