Saraburi: The deputy district chief of Phra Phutthabat has been dismissed from service following a bribery scandal. The Governor of Saraburi Province, in response to the Prime Minister's policy, signed an order to suspend the Deputy District Chief of Phra Phutthabat from duty pending investigation into allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for issuing firearms permits.
According to Thai News Agency, the dismissal followed the arrest of a district official in Phra Phutthabat District, Saraburi Province, by officers under the direction of Mr. Surapong Intarathaworn, Secretary-General of the NACC, and Mr. Pattanapong Chantharapetchapol, Assistant Secretary-General of the NACC, on July 3rd. Mr. Bancha Chaowarin, Governor of Saraburi Province, signed Saraburi Provincial Order No. 2205/2569, concerning the temporary suspension from duty, in accordance with the policy of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. The order, effective from the Governor, Mr. Parin Wongkamutrsai, District Official (Senior Administrative Officer) of Phra Phutthabat District, Saraburi Province, is based on allegations of a criminal offense.
The primary reason for issuing this decisive order is that Mr. Parin is a suspect under arrest warrant No. 20/2569 issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 1. He is charged with abuse of power by a public official, coercion, or inducement to obtain property or other benefits for himself or others, under Section 149 of the Criminal Code, as well as malfeasance in office or neglect of duty causing damage to another person, or corrupt neglect of duty, under Section 157 of the Criminal Code. This arrest was a coordinated effort between the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division, the Saraburi Provincial Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission.
The order clearly states the reasons, explaining that the position of Deputy District Chief is crucial within the Department of Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Interior. Those holding this position must conduct themselves in a manner that inspires trust, confidence, and faith in the local community. Mr. Parin's alleged involvement in a criminal case related to corruption constitutes highly untrustworthy conduct and severely undermines public trust. The province has considered that allowing him to continue performing his duties could cause damage to the government agency, and that the criminal proceedings would not be completed quickly. Therefore, it is deemed appropriate to suspend him from duty pending further investigation. This order is effective from the date of its issuance and is in accordance with the Prime Minister's policy.
The order concludes by stating that the accused has the right to contest the order by submitting a written complaint to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior within 30 days of receiving or being deemed to have received the order.