‘Stupid’ letter sparks probe as locals fume

The Interior Ministry is probing a scandal involving a leaked letter inviting officials to a meeting in Khon Kaen to prepare for a visit from the prime minister as part of his mission to end local people’s “stupidity”.

The controversy emerged as the Khon Kaen provincial office was preparing for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s as yet unannounced visit.

The leaked letter has drawn criticism over the wording which described the appearance of the premier as part of his mission to “end people’s stupidity”.

The letter, inviting local authorities to a meeting to prepare for Gen Prayut, has been widely shared on social media and has sparked criticism from netizens as well as local people.

The ministry had already received a written explanation from deputy provincial governor Suchai Butsara, whose name appeared in the leaked letter as the person who approved it, said Nisit Chansomwong, deputy interior permanent secretary.

Chatchai Promlert, the interior permanent secretary, had forwarded the explanation from Khon Kaen to the ministry’s fact-finding committee, said Mr Nisit.

Although no exact time frame has been imposed, Mr Chatchai had emphasised that the probe should be completed as soon as possible, said Mr Nisit.

The committee will determine whether the explanation given by Mr Suchai, who signed the invitation letter on March 9 on behalf of the provincial governor, is convincing, said Mr Nisit.

Pongsak Tangwanichkapong, president of Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), said an internal investigation conducted into the incident found the controversial letter was prepared by an official who had only recently begun working there and was not familiar with the task at hand.

The new officer, however, knew the provincial educational supervisor who forwarded a copy of the letter to a Line group of more than 50 provincial officials, said Mr Pongsak, explaining how the letter was leaked.

Mr Pongsak said the inappropriate wording was picked up and corrected before the letter was faxed to the PAO on March 12. He said it was purely a mistake and the person who leaked the information will be identified.

Meanwhile, Tul Prasertsuk, president of a civic group campaigning against corruption in Khon Kaen yesterday submitted a petition to Gen Prayut through the Interior Ministry’s Damrongtham centre in the province demanding the governor Somsak Jangtraku, Mr Suchai and Porntip Khamcheun who is the head of the province’s office of local administration promotion, be transferred over the controversial letter.

According to the group, the leaked information truly reflects how these people view the Khon Kaen people.