Pathum Thani PAO chairman suspended amid corruption trial
The recently elected Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Chairman in Pathum Thani, Charn Phuangphet, faces suspension from duty due to malfeasance, pending a court decision, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Anutin confirmed that the provincial officers will adhere to the legal advice provided by the Council of State (CoS), which recommends suspension due to Charn’s ongoing trial for malfeasance. While referring to media reports indicating that Charn plans to request a judicial ruling on the issue, Anutin reiterated that all parties must comply with the court’s decision for Charn to seek a court ruling in his favour.
“We will follow the court’s direction. Absent a court order, we are bound to follow the CoS’ advice. I believe the governor has no ill intentions.”
Pathum Thani Governor Passakorn Bunyaluck announced on Saturday, July 6, that he would act according to the Interior Ministry’s directives and the CoS’ legal guidance in Charn’s case. This suggests that Charn will be suspended as soon as the Election Commission (EC) endorses his victory.
Anutin, who also leads the Bhumjaithai Party, stressed that the issue is not politically motivated and that similar actions will be taken by provincial authorities elsewhere. He expressed respect for Charn, a former Bhumjaithai Party member, and his political opponent Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit Toopkrajang.
Charn, a candidate from the Pheu Thai Party, won the local election on June 30 despite widespread scepticism due to his ongoing trial related to his previous tenure as PAO chairman over a decade ago. He is currently on trial in the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases concerning the PAO’s procurement of relief supplies during the 2011 floods, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, police apprehended the former director of the Land Survey Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima, accused of illegitimately issuing land title deeds to benefit investors, just two months before the statute of limitations regarding his case was set to expire.
