Chanthaburi preschool teachers suspected of school trip scam questioned by Anti-Corruption Commission

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Chanthaburi Province is investigating a preschool teacher team accused of collecting money from students for a trip to Vietnam. Jamnien Moonsarn, the director of the Chanthaburi ACC office, revealed that the initial fact-checking was carried out yesterday following reports from the National Corruption Deterrence Centre.

The case has also become viral on social media under the headline: Tricking students into signing, taking money to travel to Vietnam.

Jamnien disclosed that initial investigations by the Chanthaburi ACC office revealed that the teachers had purchased a tour package to Vietnam from a company. Each head cost 15,900 baht and the money was transferred to the tour company in three instalments.

The first was on June 2 amounting to 159,000 baht, the second on September 20, also 159,000 baht, and a final payment of 15,900 baht on August 18. This extra payment was due to an additional participant joining the trip.

The ACC office is currently conducting a thorough examination of the bank account transactions to verify the source of funds. An initial finding showed that the money was transferred from an account belonging to one of the group members.

Furthermore, it was discovered that the trip occurred during term time. Although there was a leave request form, there was no record of approval for international travel.

The Chanthaburi ACC office has forwarded the case to the Director of the Chanthaburi Primary Education Office Area 1 for further investigation. However, the office also found that a scouting activity was organised three times, involving students from Grade 6, Year 1 secondary, and Year 2 secondary.

These activities took place on February 15, 16 to 17, and March 2 to 3 respectively.

Regarding the case of collecting 100 baht per student, it was indeed found that money was collected, but it was for an educational trip, not a scout activity. The Chanthaburi ACC office is now gathering all the documents and evidence, including budget disbursement requests, for further investigation into the matter.

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