Former Thai official arrested for 2011 corruption in Sakon Nakhon

Officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) arrested a former public works official involved in corruption related to three projects from the 2011 fiscal year. The official was taken into custody for legal proceedings yesterday, July 24.

Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Secretary-General of the NACC, and Prateep Jutasorn, Deputy Secretary-General of NACC Region 4, directed the Region 4 anti-corruption investigation team to detain Thanathep (surname withheld). The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 4, on September 21, 2022.

Thanathep is accused of abusing his power for personal gain, causing damage to the state, and neglecting his duties to benefit others, in violation of Sections 151 and 157 of the Criminal Code. The arrest took place in Chiang Khrua subdistrict, Mueang district, Sakon Nakhon Province yesterday.

The NACC team apprehended Thanathep, a former head of the public works division at a Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) in Ban Mueang district. Thanathep and his associates allegedly engaged in corruption involving three procurement projects in the 2011 fiscal year.

These projects included the construction of a road to agricultural areas, the repair and improvement of a village water system, and the renovation of government housing and SAO office buildings. After the arrest, Thanathep was taken to the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Police Investigation Division to record the arrest and was then held at Mueang Sakon Nakhon Police Station. He was subsequently handed over to the Region 4 Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office for further proceedings.

Niwatchai stated that the arrest and prosecution of officials involved in corruption are crucial steps in maintaining the integrity of public services, reported KhaoSod.

Prateep stated that the NACC is committed to eradicating corruption at all levels of government.

“This case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law.”

In related news, police completed their investigation and forwarded the case to prosecutors involving five individuals accused of extorting 1.5 million baht from the Director-General of Thailand’s Rice Department. These individuals face multiple charges related to corruption and abuse of power.