Chiang Rai governor investigated over handling of recent flooding

Retiring Chiang Rai Governor Puttipong Sirimat is under investigation for alleged absence from the province early this month, when he was needed to handle the flooding, particularly in Mae Sai, Mueang and Wiang Pao districts.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday that he has ordered a committee to investigate Puttipong for his alleged failure to do his job properly when Chiang Rai was hit by the worst flooding in three decades.

He said that, while several agencies were in the province to help flood victims, the governor was not around to supervise rescue and relief operations, citing an example last Friday when Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Chiang Rai to see the flood situation for herself.

He added that Puttipong was present to give a briefing about the flood situation and related operations to the prime minister and her team, after which he left for Bangkok to attend a ceremony for retiring interior officials.

The interior minister said that such conduct was unbecoming of a responsible official, who should have been in the province to handle the situation and to tend to the needs of the flood victims, adding that the governor cannot cite the fact that he is retiring as an excuse for not doing his job.

Regarding the two deputy governors, who were also not present during the flooding, because they had to attend a Defence College course in Bangkok, Anutin said that they should have skipped the course and stayed in the province to look after the flood victims.

Commenting on criticism that local officials should not be mobilised to welcome the prime minister during her inspection visit, Anutin explained that the flooding in Chiang Rai was a special case, requiring the presence of the governor and other officials.

Only one of the three deputy governors, Prasert Chitpleecheep, was on hand to receive the prime minister.

Anutin promised that, after October 1st, the working system in the Interior Ministry will be revamped to increase efficiency.