Rangsit: Professor Tong presented evidence showing that trucks were indeed transporting soil out of a well-known university in the Rangsit area. He insisted that he was not fabricating or distorting the truth.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Krisanapong Pootrakul, also known as Professor Tong, held a press conference to clarify three main points regarding the university's statement on his termination without severance pay. Professor Tong explained that the university's previous statement was "untrue" and affirmed that his actions were in accordance with the instructions of the former rector. He was appointed as the chairman of the fact-finding committee to investigate whether soil was actually removed from the university between December 21-27, 2024. Following the investigation, including interviews with nine witnesses and video and CCTV footage, it was found that trucks transported soil out 84 times, totaling approximately 588,000 baht. He then presented the evidence to the former rector for his opinion on how to proceed. The rector ordered the formation of an investigative committee and the filing of a police report. His lawyer has also filed a police report with P ak Khlong Rangsit Police Station for jointly committing theft of university property and other related offenses.
Professor Tong also addressed the university's statement regarding the internal investigation report, chaired by him at the time, which concluded that "there was insufficient evidence to prove wrongdoing" (theft). Professor Tong stated that the university only cited a portion of the report. The committee believed that the person under investigation was guilty of disciplinary violations according to the university's regulations on personnel administration, B.E. 2560 (2017), but the committee did not find sufficient evidence to prosecute them criminally. This is because it is the police's responsibility to investigate and file a report. The work of the fact-finding committee and the police investigation were conducted in parallel. Following a change in the university president, the university sent a letter to Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station requesting the withdrawal of the theft report from the employer. However, because it is a criminal offense, the investigating officers must proceed with the case. Currentl y, the police have not summoned anyone for further questioning.
Regarding the issue of termination without severance pay, the university had considered disciplinary action and appointed a fact-finding committee after he appeared on a popular television program. The university alleged that he had made false statements and distorted facts, misleading the university, which was considered a serious offense and led to his termination. Professor Tong affirms that he did not distort the facts as claimed by the university. He has worked for the university for 17 years and would never do anything to tarnish its reputation.
The question was also raised: why, in order to change the university's administrative strategy, did the former president file a complaint with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) alleging unfair dismissal?
Regarding Mr. Sonthi Limthongkul's remarks that his activism was "burning down his own house," Professor Tong clarified that the rumors about him bringing family members to various positions at the university were all due to invitations from Dr. Arthit Urairat, the current rector, and that they all had good profiles. As for scholarships, he stated that he never applied for or competed for any; instead, people offered him various scholarships. He also mentioned that he used family funds for his trips abroad and affirmed that Dr. Arthit Urairat never bought him a house or car; he only received income from his personal work.
He affirmed, "What I did was in accordance with the orders of the former director-general. I have complete documentation to explain everything. I am making this statement today to protect my rights. After this, I will proceed to file a complaint at the Labor Court." Furthermore, Professor Tong challenged the university to release the 12-page termination document as evidence.