Ex-Thai cop nabbed for stealing officers’ funds in Pathum Thani
Anti-graft crackdown intensifies as officials track down long-time fugitive in corruption probe
A disgraced former police superintendent who vanished after allegedly swiping hundreds of thousands in officer allowances has finally been hauled in, ending a years-long game of cat and mouse.
Yesterday, May 7, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) arrested Police Colonel Chaiwat, a former head of Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station in Pathum Thani, who had been on the run since 2020. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases.
Chaiwat is accused of embezzling 262,676 baht from funds originally intended for his subordinates. The money was part of a 283,176 baht budget authorised by the Pathum Thani Provincial Police to support officers manning a series of checkpoints ordered under his command.
But instead of distributing the full amount, Chaiwat reportedly instructed officers to hand over their allowances to him, promising to handle the payouts himself. He ended up distributing only 20,500 baht to the team, pocketing the remaining cash.
“The funds were intended to support checkpoint operations,” said an NACC spokesperson. “Instead, the former superintendent kept the majority of the money for personal use.”
Despite being wanted for years, Chaiwat had evaded justice until this week’s arrest. Upon being detained, he confirmed his identity and was transported to NACC headquarters for legal processing.
His arrest was led under the direction of NACC Secretary-General Saroj Phungramphan, with support from Assistant Secretary General Chadarat Anakaorn and officers from Region 1.
Chaiwat will now face proceedings under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, legislation aimed at holding corrupt officials accountable and restoring public trust in law enforcement, reported Bangkok Post.
The case has reignited public outrage over police corruption in Thailand, where several high-profile officers have been exposed for misusing state funds.
In similar news, a restaurant manager in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has exposed a police sergeant who allegedly demanded monthly bribes.
After refusing to pay 1,000 baht, the 79-baht-a-dish diner was hit with repeated police raids, scaring off customers and crippling business. Up to 20 officers reportedly swarmed the restaurant during inspections.
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