Pian facing corruption allegation

PHUKET: Patong mayoral candidate Songserm Kepsap and three members of the Patong Progress Team today filed a complaint with the Phuket Election Committee (PEC) against the leader of their opponents, Pian Keesin of the Rak Patong Team, claiming that K. Pian is ineligible to stand in the February 8 Patong mayoral election. K. Songserm said, “We lodged the complaint in order to have K. Pian stood down because he doesn’t qualify. He has been found to have been corrupt during his time as Patong Mayor, in connection with the purchase of garbage trucks at higher than market prices.” In his complaint, K. Songserm claimed to have a copy of a confidential letter from the Interior Ministry’s Local Administration Department ordering K. Pian to pay the government 51,869 baht. The amount, the complaint alleged, was part of K. Pian’s penalty for his involvement in the municipality paying 207,476 baht more for the garbage trucks than the market price at the time. Two officials then working for the municipality were also allegedly involved in the deal. Kittipong Thiengkunagrit, the Director of the PEC, said, “Our officers need to gather all related documents and evidence. We will announce our decision within three days.” Despite repeated attempts, the Gazette was unable to reach K. Pian for comment.