Hat Yai District Chief Ekk Yongapai Na Songkhla has been dismissed after failing to appear in his jurisdiction or provide assistance during the major flood in Hat Yai.
According to a report by the National News Bureau of Thailand, the Department of Provincial Administration under the Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday (28th) that following an investigation, Ekk Yongapai Na Songkhla had not been present in his area of responsibility since November 22, leading to his removal as district chief.
Previously, the Provincial Administration Department had ordered his transfer to the Institute for Administrative Development to assist with work in response to the severe floods in Hat Yai, Songkhla province.
The dismissal order noted that the floods in Songkhla province are considered a major public disaster, seriously affecting lives, property, and the economy. On November 25, the Prime Minister upgraded the disaster management level in the province to Level 4, and the district chief's role is deemed crucial for coordinating disaster relief and providing assistance to residents.
However, the investigation revealed that Eak was last seen in his district on November 22, after which he could not be contacted. He was unable to communicate and coordinate with any levels of command, resulting in delays in delivering aid to the public.
Additionally, he did not attend the daily meetings at the 42nd Military Circle Disaster Relief Center, leading to a lack of coordination and up-to-date information on the disaster situation, which further hindered rescue operations.
The Provincial Administration Department also found that Eak had previously been accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of involvement in a criminal case.
He was alleged to have, during his tenure as Nong Chik District Chief in Pattani province, used government vehicles and volunteer defense personnel to transport materials to Songkhla province for construction work at his private residence, constituting an abuse of power.
As such, the Provincial Administration Department, based on Article 172 of the Anti-Corruption Act (B.E. 2561/2018) and Section 45(1) of the 2008 Civil Service Administrative Act regarding serious disciplinary violations, announced that Eak would be immediately dismissed from the civil service.
The Department emphasized that all actions were carried out strictly in accordance with government regulations, with no intent targeting any specific individual as suggested by some media outlets.