KHON KAEN: Signing an official letter calling for ways to end the people's "stupidity" has not turned out to the smartest move for provincial governor Suchai Butsara.
The letter issued by the provincial office for promotion of local administrations was signed by him on March 9. It called for a meeting of relevant agencies to discuss "how to end the people's stupidity" ahead of a projected visit to the province by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Mr Suchai signed the letter on behalf of the governor.
After feedback from recipients, a new letter was issued on March 12 with the wording changed to "how to equip people with knowledge of the changing world". But the damage was already done as the controversial letter spread on social media.
The deputy governor on Sunday came out to issue a public apology and admit his carelessness. "I apologise to everyone for this mistake. I did not check the letter before signing it," he said.
Mr Suchai said he did not intend to insult residents of Khon Kaen, saying he was born in the province.
The provincial governor on Sunday ordered a panel to investigate the blunder and find out who wrote the phrase "how to end the people's stupidity".
An initial check has found the wording originated at the Khon Kaen Provincial Administration Organisation, he said.
The Association to Protect the Thai Constitution on Sunday demanded the deputy governor be removed to redeem the image of the Interior Ministry.
"The corrected letter cannot wipe out the mistake that already had been made," association secretary-general Srisuwan Janya said.