Thai military police probed for escorting alleged fraudster
Two military police officers have been detained and are set to face disciplinary action for leading the motorcade of an alleged fraudster who purportedly claimed close connections with several political figures, stated Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
The officers, in uniform, were observed escorting Thanyatep Sirithapsadechakul, a 32 year old, who has recently been criticised for asserting ties with numerous political VIPs and senior police officials.
Phumtham revealed that following an initial investigation, the two officers have been detained, with their salaries reduced and pensions suspended.
He advised lower-level civil officers against engaging in inappropriate activities, such as part-time jobs providing security at bars or pubs, and mentioned efforts to increase the salaries of low-ranking officers.
Thanyatep’s fraudulent activities were initially exposed by actress Rinyarat Watchararojsiri, whom he was attempting to court.
On Monday, April 7, Thanyatep faced charges under the Computer Crime Act for inputting false information into a computer system to deceive others. He was detained at Khok Khram Police Station where he attempted to escape by jumping from the 3rd floor. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The station’s superintendent, Police Colonel Prapas Kaewcheed, stated yesterday, April 10, that Thanyatep was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, as an X-ray indicated no severe spinal injury despite earlier conflicting reports about his condition, reported Bangkok Post.
Thanyatep was subsequently sent to the Criminal Court to confront other public fraud charges dating back to 2021 and is currently held at Nonthaburi Provincial Prison.
Pol. Col. Prapas mentioned that allegations of lese majeste and other offences related to his wearing of royal decorations are under investigation.
In similar news, Thailand’s Defence Ministry has expanded the list of medical conditions exempting young men from compulsory military service, increasing it from 12 to 15.
The updated directive, signed by Phumtham and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, was published in the Royal Gazette on March 25 and took immediate effect.
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