Police corruption scandal: Pongpat, 5 others face dishonourable discharges

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: Former Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Pongpat Chayaphan and five officers accused of racketeering and intimidation are to be dishonourably discharged after being found guilty of severe malfeasance by an internal investigation committee.

The discharge of the six officers will take effect once it is approved officially by deputy Royal Thai Police commander Gen Eak Angsananont, RTP spokesman Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri said yesterday.

The five other officers are former CIB deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Kowit Wongrungroj, former Marine Police commander Maj Gen Bunsueb Phraitheun, former anti-human-trafficking officer Col Suchart Leunsukhan, and Snr Sgt Majors Surasak Jan-ngao and Chattarin Laothong. They are currently suspended.

Meanwhile, the Royal Gazette confirmed yesterday that Nuttapon Suwadi, one of many suspected of being involved in Gen Pongpat’s racket, had been stripped off his Army rank of captain, along with a number of royal decorations. Certain news reports earlier cited his rank as acting major. Nuttapon’s royally granted surname of Akkarapreechapong has also been revoked and replaced by Suwadi.

Arrest warrants have been issued for three suspects, including two police, in connection with an online gambling organisation allegedly run by an Indian businessman with ties to Pongpat.

— Phuket Gazette Editors