PACC anti-graft squad begins investigation of Phuket police extortion allegations

PHUKET: More than 10 officers from the Public-sector Anti Corruption Commission (PACC) are on the island investigating allegations that Chalong Police officers extorted money from the Phuket dive community.

The team arrived in Phuket yesterday and have yet to set a date for their departure, the team’s lead investigator, who asked not to be named, told the Phuket Gazette.

“We are starting our investigation by questioning divers, then we will question officers from the Chalong Police,” he explained.

“We cannot say at this stage how long it will take to collect the evidence we need. We will stay as long as necessary to gather enough information to prove whether the allegations are true or false.”

The chief investigator declined to reveal any more details of the investigation to preserve fairness for “both parties”.

“We have to be fair to both the police officers accused and the members of the dive community who say they had money extorted from them,” he said.

The arrival of the anti-graft squad followed the announcement last week by Lt Col Wannop Somjintanakul, director of PACC Region 4, that his office would investigate the scandal (story here).

Any evidence collected will be sent to the PACC board in Bangkok and presented to Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut.

“Anyone found involved in money extortion will be prosecuted,” Col Wannop vowed.

PACC Secretary Prayong Preeyachitt had vowed earlier, on March 27, that he would organize a thorough investigation that would conclude with legal action against any officer determined to be guilty of extortion (story here).

One official action has already resulted from the dive instructors’ allegations: on April 2, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Ong-art Phiewruangnont revealed that he had ordered the transfer of Chalong Police Superintendent Krittapas Dazintharasorn amid graft charges levied against him (story here).

— Woranut Pechdee