Governor Narong entered the 15-day ordainment at Wat Pa Phutthaphot Hariphunchai on Saturday evening (Aug 26) through a ceremony administered by the revered Chao Khun Luangpo Arayawangso.
The governor’s decision to embark on this monk ordainment holds significance as he prepares for his forthcoming retirement later this year. Such a 15-day ordination is a customary practice for Thai men, reflecting their deep-rooted cultural and spiritual values, Sopon Keamkan, Chief of the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket), told The Phuket News today.
“Governor Narong’s choice to undertake this temporary monkhood showcases his commitment to both his official role as a government representative and his personal dedication to the betterment of the nation. This act reflects a tradition where government officials symbolically offer themselves in service to the country,” Mr Sopon said.
The Phuket News was told that Governor Narong will return to Phuket after his 15-day ordainment, on Sept 10 or thereabouts.
In his absence, Phuket Vice Governors Amnuay Pinsuwan, Anuparp Rodkwan Yodrabam and Danai Sunantarod will fulfill his gubernatorial duties.
As the governor engages in this spiritual journey, the anticipation for the announcement of the incoming governor continues. The succession plan for leadership after Governor Narong’s retirement remains an intriguing topic, generating curiosity among the people.
So far, there have been no official announcements detailing who will succeed Mr Narong as Governor of Phuket.
However, The Phuket News was told, “Stay tuned for updates as we follow Governor Narong Woonciew’s transformative path and await news of Phuket’s new governor in the days to come.”
Governor Narong arrived in Phuket in June 2020 to replace Phakaphong Tavipatana, who had come under fierce criticism for his handling and implementation of COVID-19 policies.
According to reports in the Thai media online at the time, some people said Governor Phakaphong did too little too late, while others reported that the measures he rolled out were too harsh.
Mr Phakaphong was assigned to the post of Governor of Phetchaburi.
Before his posting to Phuket, Governor Narong, a native of Phatthalung, had previously served as Governor of Chaiyaphum province.
On Governor Narong’s arrival at Phuket Provincial Hall three years ago, the welcoming party was out in force, with many officials present to greet him with flowers.
“I will do my best for Phuket, to develop and lead Phuket to move forward,” Governor Narong told the press as he entered Provincial Hall.
Governor Narong was immediately aware of the plight many people on the island were suffering without any income amid the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.