Minister of Civil Service Hun Many has explained how the civil service ministry, along with 12 other ministries and government institutions, has not expanded, but rather reduced the number of departments, as part of an ongoing reorganisation.
Speaking at the closing of the ministry’s annual review of its 2025 performance and the announcement of 2026 priorities on March 26, Many stated: “In terms of restructuring, the 13 institutions have not expanded, but have eliminated three general departments and 26 directorates, and are continuing to review additional offices.”
He added that under the implementation of one of the government’s key measures – strengthening institutional capacity and performance to improve the quality of work, discipline, professional ethics, efficiency and effectiveness – the review and functional analysis of structures has been further systematised.
The ministry has worked with other government institutions to define core, sub- and support functions, paving the way for the preparation of sub-decrees and relevant regulations governing organisation and operations.
The deputy prime minister stressed that reviewing and analysing functions and structures has contributed to strengthening public institutions, maintaining stability and sustainability in public service delivery, and reinforcing unity and accountability across ministries and institutions, in line with the approach of “strengthening rather than expanding” and “putting one’s house in order”.
In practice, 11 sub-decrees on the organisation and functioning of ministries and institutions have been put into effect, while governance committees have been established in 29 ministries and institutions, he added.
Through the implementation of the “strengthening rather than expanding” approach, the civil service ministry has reduced 43 subordinate units, resulting in a decrease in the ministry’s salary budget, according to a presentation by secretary of state Has Bunthan at the opening of the meeting.
Bunthan noted that under the public administration reforms of the seventh-mandate of the National Assembly, the ministry has cut a total of 43 units, including one at the general department level, four at the directorate level and 38 at the office level.
He added that in recent years, particularly during the 7th mandate, civil servants’ welfare has significantly improved, alongside a warmer and more collegial working environment between leadership and officials.