The permanent secretary for public health was warned on Thursday of the possible consequences after he ignored an order to attend a meeting at the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (Capo).
Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order director Chalerm Yubambung, left, leads a meeting with permanent secretaries on Thursday. But Dr Narong Sahametapat boycotted the talks. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on Thursday directed caretaker Public Health Minister Pradit Sintawanarong to take action on Narong Sahametapat, who did as he had earlier announced and ignored the order to attend the talks.
Mr Surapong, who is the Capo chief adviser, said he did not want Dr Narong's example to set a precedent for other senior officials to follow, but he said the government would not transfer rebellious officials.
Capo chief Chalerm Yubamrung sarcastically praised him for his "courage" in boycotting the meeting and for his open support for the PDRC and opposition to the caretaker government.
An angry Mr Chalerm warned Dr Narong that once the political crisis is settled and the government is back on track, he will be moved to another position.
"I want to warn him that he is making the wrong bet," the outspoken politician said. Mr Chalerm is the caretaker labour minister.
Permanent secretary for justice Kittipong Kittiyarak talk to the press on Thursday before a meeting with Capo officials. (photo by Apichit Jinakul)
Permanent secretary for justice Kittipong Kittiyarak attended the meeting but did not sign his name before entering the meeting room at the Royal Police Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.
Mr Kittipong had been expected to skip the meeting.
The meeting was called to remind senior officials that breaking civil service regulations by showing support for Suthep Thaugsuban and his People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) during working hours is unacceptable, according to Mr Surapong.
The centre hoped senior officials attending the meeting would convey the message to officials under their supervision, he added.
Dr Narong and Mr Kittipong are staunch advocates of reform before the country holds a new general election.
Dr Narong did not comment on his decision to boycott the meeting on Thursday, but he has posted a message on Facebook saying the meeting was inappropriate and that all ministry permanent secretaries must preserve the dignity of civil servants.
The meeting between Capo and permanent secretaries was called one day after Mr Suthep and other People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) members were warmly greeted at the Justice Ministry on April 8. The PDRC received a similar welcome at the Public Health Ministry three days later.
Dr Narong and Mr Kittipong also did not join with other permanent secretaries and senior state officials to bless caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on the occasion of the traditional new year at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence at Muang Thong Thani.
Ms Yingluck told the permanent secretaries to perform their duties to the best of their abilities.
Top officials from the ministries of Commerce, Energy, Sports and Tourism, Human Security and Social Development, Natural Resources and Environment, Information and Communication Technology and Education attended, along with officials from the Office of the Civil Service Commission, National Intelligence Agency and the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).
"I ask all of you, as civil servants of His Majesty the King, to do your job to the best of your ability.
"As a caretaker government, we're ready to listen to your problems, especially economic issues. I would like the NESDB to oversee them and find long-term solutions with relevant agencies," Ms Yingluck told the officials.