Pathum Thani prosecutor’s fake certification scandal

Controversy erupted after a prosecutor in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, allegedly endorsed a fake prosecutor named Mongkol, granting him a rank equivalent to a level five prosecutor despite lacking the legal authority to do so.

Reports emerged that a certification letter, signed on March 26 last year by the Thanyaburi prosecutor’s office on Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road, Pathum Thani, was shared within a group chat of prosecutors.

This letter endorsed Mongkol (surname withheld), an advisor to the Director-General of Prosecution Investigation (Police Lieutenant Uthai, surname withheld), claiming he held a position equivalent to a level five prosecutor. The letter praised Mongkol as disciplined, ethical, and beneficial to the public prosecutor’s office.

“I certify that this statement is entirely true. Therefore, this certification of Mongkol’s position and conduct is issued as an important document.”

Mongkol reportedly sought this certification to obtain a badge from the Ministry of Interior, typically granted to officials of level five or higher. The certification stirred significant criticism, as it was deemed unauthorised.

The position of an advisor to the Director-General of Prosecution Investigation is self-appointed and does not match any established prosecutorial rank. It lacks recognition in the prosecutorial regulations, which only acknowledge level five prosecutors as equivalent to provincial or expert prosecutors.

The incident drew public attention when news emerged of Mongkol being arrested while giving a lecture at a prestigious school, where he had posed as a prosecutor and taken photos with notable figures. Further reports surfaced detailing Mongkol’s inappropriate behaviour, including allegedly bullying and slapping police officers and harassing a female prosecutor who is the niece of a prominent police general.

The case sparked debate over the misuse of authority and the integrity of official endorsements. Legal experts argue that the certification was invalid as it was issued without proper jurisdiction. The advisor role that Mongkol claimed does not exist in the legal framework governing prosecution ranks, and thus, he could not be equated to a level five prosecutor.

Level five prosecutors hold significant authority, akin to that of provincial prosecutors or expert prosecutors, and are recognized within the legal system for their expertise and seniority. The unauthorised certification of Mongkol undermines the structured hierarchy and legal protocols within the prosecutorial system.

The Ministry of Interior, which oversees the issuance of badges that Mongkol sought, typically reserves such honours for high-ranking officials who have demonstrated outstanding service.

The revelation that Mongkol attempted to acquire this badge through a falsified certification has raised concerns about the potential for similar abuses in the future and the need for stricter verification processes, reported KhaoSod.

ORIGINAL STORY: Thai-ing up loose ends: Fake prosecutor’s fraud case grows

An investigation into a Thai man accused of posing as a prosecutor and engaging in fraudulent activities is expanding, according to a source from the prosecution. Thai police are delving deeper into the actions of Mongkol Preesukkasem, who was apprehended last Thursday, July 25, while delivering a law enforcement lecture at a high school in Nonthaburi.

Taling Chan police in Bangkok arrested Mongkol following an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on June 20. The charges against him include illegal impersonation, donning a prosecutor’s uniform, fraud, and providing false information via a computer system.

Police stated that Mongkol had uploaded photos on his Facebook page, showing him in what appeared to be a full prosecutor’s uniform adorned with honour pins and insignias. The complaint from the Attorney-General’s Office indicated that these images were meant to deceive the public into believing he was a legitimate prosecutor.

A source revealed that checks by prosecutors found Mongkol had unofficially advised a senior prosecutor. Although this advisory role was never formalised, it contributed to the ongoing investigation.

Witnesses for the prosecution are scheduled for interviews tomorrow, July 31, as part of the expanded investigation.

The photos posted by Mongkol also depicted him participating in promotion ceremonies and mingling with high-ranking state officials from various agencies.