Bangkok: A disciplinary committee has been established to investigate allegations of bribery involving a Phuket Provincial Deputy Governor. The Department of Provincial Administration has initiated a serious disciplinary investigation against Mr. Rungruang Thimabutr, the Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, who is accused of accepting bribes in connection with local government exams.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witthoon Sirinukul, Deputy Director-General and Acting Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, issued an order on June 27, 2026, to form a committee to scrutinize serious disciplinary violations by Mr. Rungruang. The allegations suggest that Mr. Rungruang solicited 300,000 baht from each of three applicants, totaling 900,000 baht, in return for influencing their success in local government exams and securing positions in the southern region.

The situation escalated when one of the victims lodged a complaint, leading to the registration of criminal case number 8/2569. This prompted the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 9, to issue an arrest warrant on June 26, 2026. Consequently, Mr. Rungruang was apprehended and is now subject to legal proceedings. A seven-member disciplinary committee has been formed to thoroughly investigate the matter in accordance with the Civil Service Commission's Disciplinary Procedures Act of 2013.

The committee, led by Mr. Winai Tocharoen, includes members Mr. Weekit Manarojkit, Police Lieutenant Singkham Khamyod, and Mr. Trirat Nookaewkhwan. Mr. Anucha Ruangamornwiwat serves as a committee member and secretary, with Mr. Kittithach Pornputthapong and Ms. Thitima Chaemchoy as assistant secretaries. Their investigation will adhere to the Civil Service Commission regulations, and the findings will be submitted to the appropriate authority for further action. If additional offenses or individuals are implicated during the inquiry, the committee is authorized to expand its investigation.