Permanent secretary for finance Somchai Sujjapongse resigned from the civil service in what pundits see as a form of protest Tuesday after being transferred to another position as secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).
Mr Somchai was highly respected as the top-ranking civil servant at the Finance Ministry but rumours have circulated that he made formidable enemies within its ranks and was disgruntled at being shunted to a role that arguably commands less respect as it focuses on policy making.
A source confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Mr Somchai had submitted his resignation. Mr Somchai was not immediately available for comment.
The cabinet decided to appoint outgoing NESDB secretary-general Porametee Vimolsiri as the new permanent secretary at the Ministry of Social Development.
Despite Mr Somchai's unexpected resignation, Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong described the role mapped out for him at the NESDB as more demanding and "a bigger job".
The decision was made to send him there so that he could take over the important role of supervising the implementation of the current regime's 20-year national strategy, Mr Apisak said.
The strategy has "many dimensions", he said.
The incumbent government of 2014 coup-leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has put in place provisions so that at least parts of the strategy must be maintained after the general election expected in February, when Thailand hopes to see the anticipated return of democracy after years of upheaval.
Mr Apisak denied speculation that Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak was upset with Mr Somchai's performance at the Finance Ministry, saying Mr Somkid appreciated his hard work.
However, a source who asked not to be named said Mr Somkid had grown weary of Mr Somchai and criticised him repeatedly.
Mr Somchai's sudden departure created two vacancies the government must fill quickly. Another source from the Finance Ministry, who also requested anonymity, said Prasong Poontaneat, director-general of the Revenue Department, is expected to succeed him as permanent secretary at the Finance Ministry given his strong track record there. That includes key roles in pushing for the government's electronic tax project.
Meanwhile, no names have been mentioned regarding who will now fill the top NESDB slot.
Social Development Minister Anantaporn Kanjanarat said he agreed with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that Mr Porametee would be an ideal candidate to replace Puttipat Lertchaowasit as the permanent secretary for social development and human security because of his familiarity with pressing social concerns.
"He [Mr Porametee] is good. I trust him. The Social Development Ministry proposed [the transfer of Mr Puttipat] and I considered him the most suitable and a person whom I trust," Gen Prayut said.
Mr Anantaporn said Mr Puttipat was earlier moved to the position of adviser to the prime minister.
He was temporarily dismissed from the civil service pending a probe, however, as he faces an investigation into the widespread embezzlement of financial aid for the destitute.
Narong Kongkam, deputy permanent secretary at the ministry, has also been dismissed as part of the probe. His replacement will be considered next week.
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