Thai officials nabbed for 8 million baht procurement scam

Thai anti-corruption forces today led by Police Major General Prasong Chalermphan along with other officials, raided and arrested a mother and her daughter, both officials of the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, for allegedly forging procurement documents resulting in losses exceeding 8 million baht.

The main target was a building within the Department of Medical Sciences in Talat Khwan Subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi District. The arrested individuals were 54 year old Janya, a scholar of supplies, at the Department of Medical Sciences, and 32 year old Rattanaphon, an experienced office official in general administration, reported KhaoSod.

The second target was 32 year old Anan, a board member of a company. The arrest was based on a warrant from the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. The three were alleged to have jointly produced fake documents for the procurement of scientific materials without delivering the materials as per the purchase order. The damage amounted to more than 8 million baht for the year 2023 alone.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Janya confessed to the charges while Rattanaphon denied the allegations. The accused individuals were handed over to the investigating officers of the Department of Special Investigation to proceed with the case. Further details of the arrest are to be announced at the Department of Special Investigation today at 3pm.

In related news, a corruption investigation has left some Thai immigration officials in hot water over their alleged involvement in helping Chinese businessmen. Senior Immigration Bureau investigators say they found clear evidence that some officers are helping foreign criminals by serving as owners of foundations that provided visas to Chinese nationals.

According to Bangkok Post, one of the foundations had its headquarters in a chicken coop, which is the wrong location for a foundation office. Further findings revealed schools applying for visas for such Chinese nationals as well as falsification of signatures by a deputy governor. To read more click HERE