Phuket: The investigation documents for the Deputy Governor of Phuket have revealed a minor disciplinary action: a salary reduction.
According to Thai News Agency, the documents indicate that a Phuket Provincial Deputy Governor was implicated in issuing licenses for 26 firearms and linked to an online gambling website. Initially, the disciplinary action was minimal, consisting only of a 2% salary reduction. However, he was recently transferred to an inactive position by the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration due to allegations of bribery in Patong.
News reports indicate that a memorandum dated July 7, 2025, from the Ministry of Interior concerns a civil servant accused of serious disciplinary misconduct. Details have emerged that Mr. Rungruang Thimabut, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, while serving as District Chief (Senior District Officer) of Suai Ko-lok District, Narathiwat Province, was accused of committing serious disciplinary offenses in two cases: issuing firearms permits and being linked to an online gambling network.
The document states that Mr. Rungruang, in his capacity as the local registrar, issued firearms licenses (Form P.4) to Mr. Sam Waedaoh for a total of 26 firearms without thoroughly checking his criminal record, income documents, assets, and certificates of good conduct. It later emerged that he was involved in drug-related activities.
Furthermore, the investigation also revealed financial trails linked to the online gambling case, indicating that bank accounts and phone numbers associated with Mr. Rungruang were used to receive millions of baht from the online gambling network. Although he denied knowing about his subordinate's behavior, the committee deemed it negligence that damaged the image and credibility of the government.
Based on the facts, Mr. Rungruang Thimabutr has failed to comply with the regulations, which constitutes a minor disciplinary offense on the grounds of not performing official duties in accordance with the law, rules, regulations of the government, Cabinet resolutions, government policies, and not complying with the procedures of the government, and on the grounds of not maintaining his reputation and maintaining the dignity of his official position so as not to be tarnished, according to Section 83(2) and (10) in conjunction with Section 84 of the Civil Service Act B.E. 2551.
A disciplinary action has been taken against Mr. Rungruang Thimabutr by deducting 2% of his salary for three months, as recommended by the investigation committee. The disciplinary report has been submitted to the Civil Service Sub-Committee of the Ministry of Interior for consideration and action under Section 103 of the Civil Service Act B.E. 2551 (2008). The disciplinary order against Mr. Rungruang Thimabutr has also been notified to the Governor of Nong Bua Lamphu Province for further action.
This document was signed and submitted with opinions by Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn while he was serving as Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration and is currently the Governor of Phuket Province. Previously, on May 20, 2026, Mr. Narucha Khosasilvilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior, issued an urgent order for Mr. Rungruang Thimabut, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, along with five other administrative officials from Phuket Province, to assist in official duties in Bangkok. This followed complaints regarding allegations of accepting bribes from entertainment venues in the Patong area of Phuket Province, which are currently under further investigation.