The cabinet replaced the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security with the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board on Tuesday, and made the permanent secretary for finance the new NESDB secretary-general.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Anantaporn Kanjanarat said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and he agreed that NESDB secretary-general Porametee Vimolsiri should replace Puttipat Lertchaowasit, permanent secretary for social development and human security, because Mr Porametee was familiar with social matters.
The minister said Mr Puttipat was earlier moved to the position of an adviser to the prime minister. He was temporarily dismissed from the civil service pending the probe on Tuesday. He faces investigation over the widespread embezzlement of financial aid for the destitute.
Narong Kongkam, deputy permanent secretary for social development and human security, has also been temporarily dismissed as part of the same embezzlement investigation. The cabinet would consider his replacement next week, Gen Anantaporn said.
The cabinet also moved Somchai Sujjapongse, permanent secretary for finance, to the position of new NESDB secretary-general.
There were unconfirmed reports that Mr Somchai immediately tendered his resignation from the civil service.
Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong said Mr Somchai would have a bigger job at the NESDB. He denied speculation that Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak was upset with Mr Somchai's performance.