A fact-finding probe has been ordered to look into complaints against Chon Buri governor Phakrathorn Thianchai following heavy criticism of his handling of the dok mai chan sandalwood flower laying ceremony last week.
Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda said yesterday he has instructed the ministry's permanent secretary to look into the complaints against the governor while urging people not to let their anger get out of hand.
The inquiry comes after hundreds of local residents converged on the provincial hall on Monday to protest against Mr Phakrathorn after the dok mai chan laying ceremony was reportedly mired in chaos.
Several protesters claimed the governor oversaw a badly organised ceremony and that they were unable to lay the flowers.
A huge crowd of mourners had to wait hours before they could lay funeral flowers at the replica of the royal crematorium while organisers allowed thousands of civil servants to cut in front of the queue to lay dok mai chan, locals claimed.
Many residents at the protest demanded an explanation and shouted for the governor to accept responsibility by quitting.
Gen Anupong said he has launched an initial inquiry but called on people not to let their anger boil over and create unrest, saying all the venues designated for the laying of cremation flowers were crowded that day.
He also noted that provincial officials overseeing the flower laying ceremony were required to follow procedures, dismissing complaints that government officials jumped the queue.
