{"id":35547,"date":"2025-10-15T15:34:44","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:34:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phuket-times.com\/?p=35547"},"modified":"2025-10-15T15:34:44","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:34:44","slug":"phukets-shortest-serving-governor-axed-after-just-14-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.phuket-times.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/15\/phukets-shortest-serving-governor-axed-after-just-14-days\/","title":{"rendered":"Phuket\u2019s Shortest-Serving Governor Axed After Just 14 Days"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a surprising political shake-up, Thailand\u2019s Cabinet has approved the sudden transfer of Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra<\/strong>, making him the island\u2019s shortest-serving governor<\/strong> after holding office for only 14 days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Thai Cabinet Approves Sudden Governor Transfer<\/h2>\n

The decision, confirmed by Anuphong Panarat<\/strong>, Secretary to the Phuket Governor, came just two weeks after Saransak officially began his term on October 2<\/strong>. The transfer awaits Royal Assent<\/strong>, but such procedures are typically completed quickly once announced.<\/p>\n

The news broke after confidential government documents<\/strong> regarding the transfer were leaked online on October 14<\/strong>, sparking widespread public attention and speculation about the reasons behind the abrupt move.<\/p>\n

Nirat Pongsitthaworn Named as Successor<\/h3>\n

Saransak will be replaced by Nirat Pongsitthaworn<\/strong>, who was simultaneously relieved of his position<\/strong> as Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Nirat, originally from Bangkok, has previously served as governor of Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, and Bueng Kan<\/strong>. His appointment is seen as a strategic decision under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul\u2019s Interior Ministry<\/strong>, which is expected to announce an election within the next few months.<\/p>\n

Observers note that Nirat\u2019s rapid rise through government ranks<\/strong> reflects possible power positioning ahead of Thailand\u2019s upcoming political shifts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Political Backlash and Local Criticism<\/h2>\n

The sudden leadership change has sparked criticism from Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee<\/strong>, who described the move as part of a \u201crevolving-door\u201d culture within Thailand\u2019s administrative system.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe Phuket case may be special, but this phenomenon has long been a normal cycle in Thai government administration,\u201d Chalermpong said.
\u201cMost governors serve only one to four years. Once they begin to understand local issues, they are transferred again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Criticism of Centralized Governance<\/h3>\n

Chalermpong further criticized Thailand\u2019s centralized provincial governance model<\/strong>, where governors are appointed by the Ministry of the Interior<\/strong> rather than elected by local residents.<\/p>\n

He emphasized that this system often delays progress on important local issues:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhen it comes to major matters, local governments can\u2019t act independently. The governor must either sign off or forward the issue to the central government for approval.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Calls for Reform and Local Empowerment<\/h2>\n

Chalermpong concluded his remarks by urging structural reform<\/strong>, suggesting that provincial executives should be directly elected by residents<\/strong> to ensure more efficient and accountable leadership<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThis situation highlights the inefficiency of the current administrative system and reinforces the need for direct elections of provincial executives,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The incident has intensified public debate about Thailand\u2019s political centralization<\/strong>, especially in fast-developing provinces like Phuket, where frequent administrative changes<\/strong> can stall long-term development plans.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In a surprising political shake-up, Thailand\u2019s Cabinet has approved the sudden transfer…\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35548,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","category-other"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t