In an official letter dated June 24, DOPA instructed the office of the Phuket Governor to allow Mr Rungruang to resume his duties, noting that the investigation had concluded and the temporary transfer period had expired.
The order also requested that the province notify DOPA when Mr Rungruang reported back for duty and reminded provincial officials to ensure he performs his duties in accordance with relevant laws, regulations and civil service disciplinary standards.
Mr Rungruang was one of five senior Phuket officials transferred to DOPA headquarters on May 24 following complaints from Patong entertainment operators alleging bribery, extortion and unfair treatment in connection with entertainment venue licensing.
At the time, DOPA stressed that the transfers were made to facilitate a fact-finding investigation and that no findings of wrongdoing had been made against the officials.
Following news of his reinstatement, Mr Rungruang thanked DOPA Director-General Narucha Khosasilvilai and the investigation committee in a post on social media.
"Thank you... for restoring justice to me and my colleagues in the Phuket Provincial Administration," he wrote. "I will work to the best of my ability for the people of Phuket."
Throughout the investigation, Mr Rungruang consistently denied all allegations against him, arguing that the complaints were politically motivated and linked to his role in recent crackdowns on illegal beach encroachment at Freedom Beach and Bang Tao Beach.
He also travelled to Parliament in Bangkok to petition for an investigation into his transfer, questioning whether political interference had influenced DOPA’s decision.
As part of that complaint, Mr Rungruang and his lawyer cited leaked Line chat screenshots containing the phrase ‘Help Namngern’ (’Help the blue.), which they alleged suggested political involvement. DOPA Director-General Narucha denied sending the messages and rejected claims that the transfers were politically motivated.
During Mr Rungruang’s absence, DOPA Inspector-General Naphat Em-on served as Acting Phuket Provincial Palad.
Mr Naphat confirmed that he completed his assignment on June 24 before returning to his original position.
In a farewell message, Mr Naphat thanked government agencies and the private sector in Phuket for their cooperation during his temporary appointment and described the experience as "a source of pride and a positive memory."
DOPA has not publicly released the findings of its fact-finding investigation, but its order returning Mr Rungruang to Phuket confirms that the inquiry has been completed and that his temporary reassignment has ended.
Of the five transferred on May 24, Thalang District Chief Wilailak Rueangphol returned to work on June 15 and Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul returned on June 16.
Yet, DOPA has not provided any updates as to the status of Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Sutthirak Jitsupap and Phuket Provincial Defence Officer Danai Sukskul.