A welcoming ceremony was held at Phuket Provincial Hall, attended by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and his wife Ms Khemmawan, Deputy President of the Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society of Thailand.
Also present were former Surat Thani Governor Jetsada Chitrat, together with heads of government agencies, private-sector representatives and members of the public, who offered congratulations and presented flowers.
Mr Rungrueng was accompanied by his wife, Dr Nonthikan Thimabut.
After the ceremony, Mr Rungrueng proceeded to commence his first day in office. Before beginning work, he paid respects to sacred shrines at the new Phuket Provincial Hall, including the Phra Phuttha Thamrong Ming Mueang Buddha image and the provincial guardian shrine, to bless his tenure. He then entered his office on the 5th floor, where he was welcomed by officials and staff.
Mr Rungrueng previously served as Provincial Palad in Nong Bua Lamphu. He replaces former Phuket Provincial Palad Teeraphong Chuaychoo, who officially assumed his new post as Phuket Vice Governor on Dec 1.
PREVIOUS SCRUTINY
Mr Rungrueng has previously drawn national media attention due to past legal scrutiny and accusations reported by Thai investigative media. In 2022, Isra News Agency reported that he surrendered to police after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with an online gambling and money-laundering case, and that he was later granted temporary bail. At the time, he denied all allegations.
Isra News also reported that his reputation came under further questioning earlier in 2022 when the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized assets in a separate drug-related case in Narathiwat, during which firearms registered under licences previously issued while he served as district chief were found at a suspect’s residence.
Mr Rungrueng publicly defended his actions, explaining that investigations were conducted and licences revoked according to law, and he strongly rejected any wrongdoing. He later pursued legal action against individuals who shared allegations online.
Despite the controversy, Mr Rungrueng’s career as a government official has also included several awards relating to drug suppression efforts and public administration achievements during his time working in the southern border provinces.
No further updates on the legal proceedings have been publicly reported at this stage, and Mr Rungrueng has consistently maintained his innocence in relation to all allegations.
With his appointment now formally in effect, Mr Rungrueng will oversee the provincial administration’s internal management, coordination between government departments and implementation of Ministry of Interior policy in Phuket.