Thai police officers face lengthy prison spell after large-scale corruption
Some of Thailand’s most notorious police officers face time in prison due to charges of large–scale corruption.
Eight police allegedly took advantage of their positions of power to assist PCC Development and Construction in winning a bid to build 163 five–storey flats worth 3.7 billion baht.
The accused included Pol. Lt. Gen. Theerayut Kittiwat, Pol. Maj. Gen. Satja Khachahiran, Pol. Maj. Gen. Saman Sudjai, Pol. Col. Patthamek Suntranuyutkit, Pol. Col. Jirawut Janpeng, Pol. Maj. Sitthipaiboon Khumnin, Pol. Maj. Khomkrib Nudalai, and Pol. Snr. Sgt. Maj. Sayan Obchoei, Bangkok Post reported.
At the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Case, it was revealed that Pol. Ma.j Khomkrib, as a project inspector, allegedly accepted bribes worth 60,000 baht from the company, while Pol. Snr. Sgt. Maj. Sayan, as project supervisor, reportedly received 91 million baht.
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Case initially handed down life sentences to the six bid-screening police officers and fined them 390,000 baht each. However, as they cooperated with the investigation, the sentences were commuted to 33 years and four months and a fine of 260,000 baht each. Pol. Maj. Khomkrib received three years and four months, and Pol. Snr Sgt Maj Sayan received 12 years and eight months behind bars.
This case highlights the issue of corruption within the police force in Thailand, which has been a persistent problem in the country.
The government says it has taken steps to address corruption through anti-corruption laws and increased transparency in government procurement. However, a police graft or corruption case raises its ugly head every other day underlining that more needs to be done to ensure that corruption is eradicated from all levels of government and that those found guilty are held accountable for their actions.
