The order, signed yesterday (May 20) by Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) Director-General Narucha Khosasilvilai, comes after weeks of growing pressure from Patong nightlife operators who have accused officials of corruption, selective law enforcement and prolonged delays in issuing entertainment licences.
Under Order No. 1512/2569, the five officials will be reassigned to assist various departments under DOPA from May 25 to June 24 while a fact-finding investigation is conducted.
Those transferred are Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administration Officer) Rungruang Thimabut, Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, Thalang District Chief Wilailak Rueangphol, Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Sutthirak Jitsupap, and Phuket Provincial Defence Officer Danai Sukskul.
In the order, Mr Narucha said the transfers were intended to ensure a “swift, transparent and fair” investigation into complaints circulating on social media from citizens and representatives of entertainment venue operators in Phuket.
The order noted that the allegations risked damaging the image of both the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Provincial Administration, as well as public confidence in government agencies.
Officials stressed the transfers were temporary administrative measures designed to prevent interference with evidence during the investigation.
Mr Rungruang assumed the role of Phuket Provincial Palad only in December last year following his transfer from Nong Bua Lamphu Province, where he had served in the same position.
At the time of his appointment, his background drew renewed public attention due to previous legal scrutiny reported by Thai investigative media.
In 2022, Isra News Agency reported that Mr Rungruang surrendered to police after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with alleged online gambling and money-laundering activities. He was later granted temporary bail and publicly denied all allegations.
Separate reports the same year also linked his name to scrutiny after the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized assets in a narcotics case in Narathiwat in which firearms registered under licences issued during his tenure as district chief were reportedly discovered at a suspect’s residence.
Mr Rungruang defended his actions at the time, stating all firearm licences had been issued according to legal procedures and later revoked following investigations. He also pursued legal action against individuals who shared allegations online.
No further public updates regarding those legal proceedings have been reported, and Mr Rungruang has consistently maintained his innocence.
The latest transfers follow a protest by entertainment venue operators and workers near Bangla Rd in Patong on May 13, where demonstrators held signs reading “No Bribes”, “Stop Extorting the People” and “Prime Minister Anutin, Help the People of Phuket from Greedy Officials”.
Operators claim businesses attempting to legally obtain entertainment licences have faced years of delays, repeated inspections, inconsistent enforcement and alleged demands for illicit payments.
Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) President Weerawit Kreuasombat previously told The Phuket News that many operators had followed official procedures, submitted applications and paid required fees, but remained trapped in an unclear approval process.
“The real problem is that people follow the procedures, submit applications and pay the required fees, yet still cannot get clear answers,” Mr Weerawit said.
He argued that many venues remained vulnerable to raids, closure orders and prosecution while waiting months or even years for approvals.
The dispute has centred heavily on entertainment venues operating outside officially designated zoning areas, particularly along Nanai Rd, where operators argue tourism development has transformed formerly residential neighbourhoods into long-established commercial areas.
Complaints regarding alleged extortion linked to entertainment venue inspections were formally submitted earlier this year to the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre.
Business owners alleged repeated inspections, inconsistent enforcement and demands for monthly payments by officials or individuals claiming to represent authorities.
Provincial officials, specifically Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, had previously denied any solicitation of bribes, and claims of extortion, and insisted licensing procedures were being handled according to the law.
The transfers also come amid broader pressure from the Interior Ministry to address influential figures and alleged corruption networks operating in Phuket’s tourism sector.
During a visit to Phuket on May 10, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul publicly ordered action against influential groups following disputes over public land encroachment at Freedom Beach.
According to the official order, the transfers were made under powers granted by Section 32 of the Administrative Procedure Act B.E. 2534 and related amendments.
DOPA stated that the investigation would proceed according to principles of good governance and fairness to all parties.