Phra phutthabat: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) apprehended a deputy district chief in Phra Phutthabat for allegedly accepting bribes to expedite the processing of gun and ammunition purchase permits.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surapong Intarathaworn, Secretary-General of the NACC, along with Mr. Pattanapong Chantharapetchapol, Assistant Secretary-General of the NACC, coordinated the arrest of the senior administrative officer from the Phra Phutthabat District Administration Office in Saraburi Province. The arrest was made under warrant number 20/2569, issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 1, dated July 2, 2026. The deputy district chief faces charges under Sections 149 and 157 of the Penal Code, which include soliciting and accepting bribes in exchange for official duties and neglecting duties corruptly, causing harm to others.

The investigation was triggered by a tip-off from a victim who reported irregularities in the application process for a firearm and ammunition purchase permit, specifically for a 12-gauge single-barrel shotgun and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. The investigation revealed that Mr. Parin, a senior officer at the district office, was allegedly demanding a fee of 10,000 baht for permit processing, significantly higher than the legal fee of 5 baht per permit.

The victims collaborated with the NACC and filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Division of the Royal Thai Police, prompting the legal actions that led to the arrest operation at the district office. Following the arrest, officials conducted searches in related locations to gather evidence, and the suspect was handed over to the Anti-Corruption Division for further legal proceedings.