‘Ordinary’ environment chiefs demoted

Four department chiefs at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have been removed from their posts after their performance was described as too “ordinary”.

The removals are part of a reshuffle of high-ranking officials at the ministry which was approved by the cabinet yesterday.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Gen Surasak Karnjanarat said the decision was part of the ministry’s reform drive.

Gen Surasak said while some were transferred because they failed to meet his expectations, those chosen to replace them were selected because of their knowledge and expertise.

“Their work is too ordinary. We’re in the age of reform, so the ministry needs to make changes. High-ranking officials must reform their work. A director-general can’t do ordinary work, otherwise anyone can have this job,” he said.

The two department director-generals moved to the post of deputy permanent secretary are Sutthilak Rawiwan, of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and Supoj Tovichakchaikul, of the Department of Water Resources.

Transferred to the post of inspector-general is Sakol Thinakul, previously directorgeneral of the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion. He will be replaced by Ratchada Suriyakul Na Ayutthaya, deputy permanent secretary.

Another director-general who was reshuffled is Jatuporn Burutphat, of the Pollution Control Department.

He will replace Ms Sutthilak and his current post will be filled by Sunee Piyaphan, who is the currently deputy permanent secretary.

Other moves include Sermyot Sermman, deputy permanent secretary, who will swap his seat with inspector-general Somchai Masathian.

In another development, the cabinet yesterday approved a proposal that government employees be allowed to take 15 days of special leave with pay, from Oct 16-30, to ordain as monks in honour of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The proposal was submitted by the National Office of Buddhism.