corruption
- Thailand News
Former Thai official arrested for 2011 corruption in Sakon Nakhon
Officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) arrested a former public works official involved in corruption related to three projects from the 2011 fiscal year. The official was taken into custody for legal proceedings yesterday, July 24. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Secretary-General of the NACC, and Prateep Jutasorn, Deputy Secretary-General of NACC Region 4, directed the Region 4 anti-corruption investigation team to…
- Thailand News
Five charged in Thai Rice Department extortion case
Police have completed their investigation and forwarded the case to prosecutors involving five individuals accused of extorting 1.5 million baht from the Director-General of Thailand’s Rice Department. These individuals face multiple charges related to corruption and abuse of power. Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Police Colonel Anek Taosupap, announced that the investigation team has concluded their work on…
- Thailand News
Kindergarten officer arrested for embezzlement of 2.8 million baht
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers arrested a former kindergarten finance officer for embezzlement of over 2.8 million baht from a bilingual program. The suspect was taken into custody on charges of corruption. The Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Phumivisan Kasemsuk, today, July 16, directed a team under the PACC to facilitate the arrest of the suspect. The…
- Thailand News
Court upholds six-year prison sentence for former Pheu Thai MP
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office yesterday upheld the guilty verdict against former Pheu Thai MP, Anurak Tungpanithanon. The panel of judges confirmed there was no justification to overturn the original bribery ruling. Anurak, formerly representing Mukdahan, faces six years in prison for soliciting a 5-million-baht bribe from then-Chief of the Groundwater Resources Department (GRD) Sakda…
- Thailand News
Minister orders investigation into university selling degrees
In a move to uphold academic integrity, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi announced immediate action following reports of a private university allegedly selling degrees to wealthy students without requiring them to study. Announced today, July 8, Supamas confirmed the establishment of a fact-finding committee led by the ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Professor Doctor Supachai Pathumnakul. While…
- Thailand News
Pathum Thani PAO chairman suspended amid corruption trial
The recently elected Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Chairman in Pathum Thani, Charn Phuangphet, faces suspension from duty due to malfeasance, pending a court decision, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin confirmed that the provincial officers will adhere to the legal advice provided by the Council of State (CoS), which recommends suspension due to Charn’s ongoing trial for malfeasance. While…
- Thailand News
Former Thai survey director arrested for illegal land deeds to resort
Police apprehended the former director of the Land Survey Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima, accused of illegitimately issuing land title deeds to benefit investors, just two months before the statute of limitations regarding his case was set to expire. At 7am today, July 4, Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Phumvisal Kasemsuk, along with officers from the Anti-Corruption Division…
- Thailand News
Bangkok crackdown: Five cops shuffled out as gambling den found
Bangkok police dismissed five senior officers from Bang Yi Khan Police Station after an illegal gambling den was discovered near a prominent shopping mall in Pin Klao. This action follows an incident yesterday where police, along with Ministry of Interior officials, arrested individuals involved in illegal gambling. At 8.30pm yesterday, July 2, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Bureau Region 7,…
- Thailand News
Human rights activist narrowly clinches Senate election
Renowned human rights activist and widow of kidnapped lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit, Angkhana Neelapaijit secured a seat in the Senate as a representative of the civil sector and NGOs. However, she has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the election process, alleging widespread fraud and vote manipulation in favour of certain candidates. In an impassioned statement, Angkhana claimed that the…
- Crime News
Hat Yai school officials charged in 2 million baht corruption scandal
School executives in Hat Yai, Songkhla, are entangled in corruption and forgery charges related to school lunch projects, scholarship funds, and the procurement of educational supplies, causing over 2 million baht (US$54,300) in losses. Police Major General Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), disclosed yesterday that the CIB, along with the Anti-Corruption Division and Crime Suppression…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha faces corruption probe over asset disclosure
Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana is pushing for a corruption investigation against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accusing him of failing to fully disclose his assets and previous executive roles. Ruangkrai announced his petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate potential inconsistencies in the wealth and former position statements submitted by the Thai premier upon assuming office as prime minister…
- Thailand News
Senate election to proceed despite 333 complaints, fraud concerns
Despite the Election Commission (EC) fielding over 300 complaints, including 39 cases related to potential fraud, the Senate election results will proceed as scheduled. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee revealed that a total of 333 complaints have been lodged, with 90 involving accusations of corruption. Investigations into these complaints are expected to take significant time. A large portion of the complaints…
- Thailand News
Mayor’s murky water deal: Politician’s son-in-law in bribery charge
Prosecutors formally charged Veerachart Rasamee, son-in-law of Chada Thaiseth and mayor of Talukdu municipality, Uthai Thani, in a 600,000 baht bribery case involving village water supply construction. Police from the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) arrested Veerachart at his residence in 2023 after allegations surfaced that he solicited bribes from contractors for two underground water supply projects. The contractors involved in both…
- Thailand News
Bangkok probes corruption in exercise equipment procurement
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its investigation into allegations of corruption related to the procurement of exercise equipment for public parks in Bangkok. Evidence pointing toward potential irregularities has emerged during an initial probe, prompting a more extensive inquiry. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Nathapong Disayabutra revealed the expansion plans following a board meeting.…
- Thailand News
Sneaky senators: Hired votes spotted in upcoming election
As the upcoming Senate election round approaches, caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn anticipates the revelation that certain individuals have been recruited solely to vote for candidates endorsed by specific political parties or interest groups. Somchai, who has consistently pointed out attempts to manipulate the Senate election outcomes, stated that a review of Sunday’s district-level voting results showed many applicants receiving no…
- Thailand News
Military officer’s “rank” behaviour caught on video, sparks probe
A senior military officer is under investigation after a video surfaced yesterday showing him threatening police officers and a woman, claiming, ‘Do you know who I am?’ and threatening to transfer the entire police station. The man in question, reportedly identified as a lieutenant general, reversed his vehicle towards a woman, almost causing an accident. He then engaged in a…
- Thailand News
Ex-MP Vatana to return to Samut Prakan after 15 years on the run
Former Samut Prakan MP and Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame has announced his intention to return to Samut Prakan in two months to visit locals after evading corruption charges for 15 years. A housewarming ceremony took place yesterday at the new residence of Soontorn Pansangtong, the former deputy minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the former deputy chief of Samut…
- Thailand News
Court sentences ex-police officer to death for fatal Trang shooting
Initially acquitted, an ex-police gunman faces the death penalty for the fatal shooting of a couple in Trang. The couple were buying materials for their rubber latex business at the time, before being violently gunned down. The tragic event occurred on September 9, 2021, in front of the Khuan Mao Cockfighting Stadium in Trang Province. The victims, 39 year old…
- Thailand News
Corrupt former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concluded investigations into two cases involving the corrupt former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), resulting in significant asset seizures totalling over 44 million baht (US$10 million). In the initial case, the court ordered the forfeiture of the former DSI’s Director-General Tharit Pengdit’s assets worth 341.80 million baht to the state. A subsequent…
- Thailand News
Bangkok official arrested for 9 million baht bribe in road plan scam
A senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official has been arrested for allegedly accepting a 9 million baht bribe to alter road construction plans to avoid a golf course, seizing luxury cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the process. At 6am today, Brigadier General Prasong Chelimpun, head of the Anti-Corruption Division, led a team of officers in the Anti-Corruption Commission Division 2,…
- Thailand News
Scam raid exposes deputy mayor’s family fraudulent call centre
A coordinated crackdown on a call centre scam network in Nakhon Si Thammarat has led to a shocking revelation involving a deputy mayor’s family. The operation spanned seven locations, leading to the discovery of the deputy mayor’s involvement and her daughter’s role as a nominee. Early morning raids tore through the district of Nakhon Si Thammarat, targeting the sprawling network…
- Thailand News
Corrupt former DSI chief’s 44.6 million baht assets seized
An alleged corrupt former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief experienced a significant blow as the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sanctioned the confiscation of his assets worth 44.6 million baht. This development, announced yesterday by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into Tarit Pengdit’s unaccounted wealth. NACC Secretary General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol…
- Thailand News
Bangkok school directors get 20-year sentences for bribery
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Thailand handed down 20-year prison sentences to the former director and the former deputy director of Samsenwittayalai School. The two were found guilty of accepting bribes from parents, colloquially termed “tea money,” to secure their children’s admission to the school in 2017. Additionally, the court ordered the pair to pay…
- Thailand News
Koh Larn wind energy project under scrutiny for misuse of funds
The dream of harnessing wind energy to provide a sustainable power source for Koh Larn in Pattaya has sputtered to a halt, amidst allegations that the turbines stand broken and idle due to insufficient funds for repair. The wind turbine project, situated on Khao Nom Sao mountain near Samae Beach, was conceived back in 2006. With a hefty budget of…
- Thailand News
Conservation factions call for review into Land Bridge initiative
A call for a thorough investigation of the government’s Land Bridge initiative has been made by Chumphon and Ranong conservation factions, citing concerns about potential corruption and negative societal impacts. This large-scale project, which has already encountered significant opposition, could lead to locals losing their homes and livelihoods, according to the conservationists. Yesterday, representatives from the Rak Phato Network and…
- Phuket News
Phuket anti-corruption commission probes Cape Yamu Villas land legitimacy
A thorough investigation has been initiated by the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC Phuket) into the legitimacy of land documents for the luxury Cape Yamu Villas. This probe was motivated by concerns about potential encroachment onto public land at Yamu Beach in Pa Klok and the possible involvement of corrupt officials. NACC Phuket’s Director, Suwat Saowaran, alongside…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s ex-police chief indicted for aiding Red Bull heir evade justice
The ex-National Police Chief of Thailand, Somyot Poompanmoung, alongside seven other individuals, has been indicted by the Attorney General for alleged involvement in aiding Vorayuth “Boss”‘ Yoovidhya dodge prosecution regarding a 2012 hit-and-run case. Vorayuth is a member of the family that owns the Red Bull empire. Prayut Phetcharakhun, the spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), reported yesterday…
- Thailand News
Agriculture chief defends against bribe claims in corruption case
The Director-General of the Department of Rice staunchly defended actions taken in a controversy involving a well-known activist, Srisuwan Janraya, who was offered money to halt corruption complaints. At 1pm today, January 30, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Natthakit Khanthip addressed the allegations that a consultant to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives suggested that the director-general’s wife…
- Crime News
State-owned company officer accused of age fraud to prolong retirement
A group of people calling themselves the State Enterprise Lover Club accused a deputy executive director of a state-owned telecommunications company in Thailand of committing age fraud to extend his retirement. The State Enterprise Lover Club urged a renowned Thai lawyer, Sittha Biabangkerd, to expose the matter to the public as they filed a complaint with the relevant government agencies, but…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen mayor busted in corruption crackdown
The mayor of Chonnabot district municipality, Khon Kaen, finds himself at the epicenter of a corruption scandal. The once-respected official, Khunanon Hinthao, has been apprehended for allegedly scheming a jaw-dropping 30% kickback, amounting to a staggering 300,000 baht, in two CCTV installation projects valued at nearly 1 million baht. The charming facade of Khunanon’s house, doubling as a coffee shop,…
