Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya

On 27 December 2016, Rutchada was arrested at his office by Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) police on bribery and malfeasance charges.^[3] Approximately 5 million Baht was found in his offices in envelopes.^[4] Following the arrest, Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, ordered an internal investigation into Rutchada.^[1]

On 28 December 2016, Rutchada was moved to a new position under Section 11 of the State Administration Act, to assist with work at the Office of the Prime Minister.^[5] The move was made to facilitate the corruption probe and remove his oversight from the department.^[5]

On 23 January 2023, the corruption probe of Rutchada concluded with the results handed over to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).^[6]

He was succeeded by Athapol Charoenshunsa on 25 January 2023.^[7]

On 3 February 2023, Rutchada was formally dismissed from his position within the ministry.^[8][9]