The amount of it shocked even me. There is too much of it shown in the article for me to paste it here - and those are the cases they know about. I can only imagine how much more of it is going on and the perpetrators so far have not been caught.
See for yourself: https://www.bangkokpost.com/topics/2506 ... corruption
Think you know about police and officials corruption? You ain't seen nuthin' yet
-
Gaybutton
- Posts: 21589
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 1322 times
Re: Think you know about police and officials corruption? You ain't seen nuthin' yet
Well, if the police are responsible for policing the police and corruption is endemic, don't expect much progress
What's needed is some kind of Stasi organisation to police the police. Followed by execution of serious offenders. Just to send the message that corruption is not OK
-
Gaybutton
- Posts: 21589
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 1322 times
Re: Think you know about police and officials corruption? You ain't seen nuthin' yet
If these sorts of reports, and there are plenty of them, are the tip of the iceberg, just how deep does the rest of the iceberg go?
What are the chances that, even if there is a genuine concerted effort to put a stop to the rampant corruption, there will be appreciable success - especially when it all too often turns out that some whose job it is to stop corruption are themselves significantly corrupt?
Your guess is as good as mine, but lately day-after-day these kinds of stories are in the news.
Here are three more, published just today, September 19:
_______________________
Cops widen collusion probe
by Wassayos Ngamkham
September 19, 2023
Representatives from 20 firms which took part in bidding for state projects ultimately won by companies owned by Praween Chanklai, also known as Kamnak Nok, were questioned by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Monday.
The DSI is looking into the bidding for the construction of a section of Highway 375, which links Don Toom and Lam Luk Bua, back in 2017, as well as the section of Highway 375 which links Lam Luk Bua with Highway 346 in 2021.
An initial investigation suggests that a construction company owned by Mr Praween colluded with others to manipulate the bidding for the two projects.
Mr Praween's construction business became the focus of an investigation after he became a key suspect in the fatal shooting of highway policeman Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua at a dinner party at his house in Nakhon Pathom.
His firm won several road, building and bridge construction projects, and provided canal dredging services in Nakhon Pathom and several neighbouring provinces.
According to the DSI, 33 firms bought bid envelopes for the Don Toom-Lam Luk Bua project, but only four took part in the bidding. Thirty-two firms bought bid envelopes for the other project, but only three firms joined the bidding contest.
Pol Capt Surawut Rangsai, director of the DSI's division on collusion in state projects, said that these firms were summonsed for questioning as witnesses. The rest are scheduled to meet the DSI today and tomorrow.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday vowed to personally look into the alleged irregularities in projects carried out by the Interior Ministry. He said he would pay special attention to projects which went ahead despite numerous complaints.
National police chief, Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, said on Monday that strict screening would be in place after Mr Praween was revealed to be a member of Nakhon Pathom's provincial committee on monitoring police work.
Nakhon Pathom governor, Surasak Charoensirichote, said he had removed Mr Praween from the committee and that a probe was underway to figure out how he became a member.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... sion-probe
______________________________
Local mafia leader list takes shape
by Supoj Wancharoen
September 19, 2023
A nationwide screening of local leaders linked to influential mafia-like gangs is now 20-30% complete, with the database expected to be divided into coloured zones, said Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset.
The move was linked to the shooting of a highway police officer at a dinner party held at the home of Praween Chanklai, aka "Kamnan Nok", a local leader and construction business operator, on Sept 6, in Nakhon Pathom province.
Mr Chada, who was assigned by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to lead the screening, said on Monday that the committee, led by Mr Anutin, is gathering a list of suspected influential mafia-like politicians to scrutinise the power they wield over their area.
The list was now confidential due to legal reasons, namely the Personal Data Protection Act.
The names will lead to the decision to map local political influences by colour, such as red and yellow, and will provide fair treatment to every related agency.
"The list is now 20–30% done, and the collection is now targeted at kamnans and village heads before expanding its working spheres," said Mr Chada.
The mafia-like local figure inspection was included in a new set of Interior Ministry policies, discussed on Monday at the Rama Gardens Hotel.
The discussion was led by Mr Anutin and attended by deputy ministers Mr Chada, Kriang Kantinan, and Songsak Thongsri; the permanent secretary Suttiphong Julcharoen; and people from related sectors.
Mr Anutin said that the ministry will use political machinery not only to abolish public vices but also to manage society.
Regarding other highlighted policies, Mr Anutin said that the term "institutes' protection" meant any action that prioritised the preservation of those institutions.
He also said that the ministry will cooperate with local administrations, Metropolitan and Provincial Waterworks Authorities, and related sectors to standardise domestic tap water and make it fit for human consumption.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... akes-shape
__________________________________________________________________________________
Minister cited by the Corruption Commission for ‘minor’ role in Boss Vorayuth corruption scandal
by James Morris and Son Nguyen
September 18, 2023
The lack of action in the ‘Boss’ Vorayuth affair undermines confidence in the Rule of Law in Thailand. This is a notorious case that has received international press coverage because of the high-profile nature of the accused and the circumstances surrounding the death of a policeman on duty in September 2012. It remains to be seen if the new government of Srettha Thavisin will take up the issue or if it will continue to be ignored.
Amid a huge scandal and corruption case brewing over the operations of the Royal Thai Police in Nakhon Pathom, last week, the Prime Minister’s Office was also reminded of the ongoing controversy over the failure to arrest and prosecute the heir to the Red Bull fortune, a long-running sore which has significantly undermined confidence among the Thai public in the rule of law within the Kingdom.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), last week, sent a report implicating the newly appointed Minister of Education, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, for a ‘minor’ role in the controversy from his time as a senior policeman during the affair. It has also come to light that Mr Vorayuth Yoovidhya or ‘Boss’ is currently not featured on the Interpol Red Notice list of fugitives wanted by authorities in Thailand despite being placed on it by the Royal Thai Police in October 2020.
New Minister of Education Police General Permpoon Chidchob was cited in a report last week to the Prime Minister’s Office by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) under the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption Act 2018 related to the handling of the case involving fugitive from justice Vorayuth Yoovidhya or ‘Boss’ who fled Thailand in 2017, five years after being involved in the death of a policeman in September 2012.
On Wednesday, the Secretary General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Niwatchai Kasemmongkol revealed that a file had been sent to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin concerning individuals examined by the Commission when dealing with the controversy over the Red Bull scion Vorayuth Yoovidhya or ‘Boss’, who fled Thailand in 2017 ahead of criminal charges and continues to evade arrest and prosecution for the killing of 47-year-old Police Sergeant Wichian Klanprasert on the Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok in the early hours of September 3rd, 2012.
One of those examined by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and found to be at fault in the matter is the current Minister of Education, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, who was then a senior officer in the Royal Thai Police who had dealings in respect of the attempted prosecution of Mr Vorayuth.
Controversy blew up in 2020 when an attempt was made to drop all charges resulting in an explosive report to the PM confirming corruption at all levels
The controversy was the subject of a committee hearing before Parliament in 2020 after an assistant attorney general, Nate Natsuk, declined to pursue charges against the Red Bull heir and it subsequently emerged that attempts had been made to doctor the evidence in the case to suggest that blame for the incident lay with the deceased police officer.
This included efforts to deflect from Mr Vorayuth’s use of cocaine on the night preceding the incident and to suggest that his Ferrari supercar was travelling at a far slower pace.
At one point in July 2020, there were no charges against the then 30-year-old who would have been technically cleared to return home without fear of arrest.
Mr Vorayuth’s family is reputed to be one of the wealthiest in Thailand with a fortune generated by the Red Bull energy drink and worldwide brand.
Report prepared by former Corruption Commissioner in 2020 confirmed corruption was identified across the board over attempts to prosecute Boss
An explosive report on corruption delivered to the Prime Minister’s Office in August 2020 completed by Mr Vicha Mahakun, a former Anti-Corruption Commissioner, found extensive evidence of both failures of administration and corruption within the prosecution of the, by then 27-year-old Red Bull Air who fled Thailand after charges in connection with the death of the 47-year-old police officer were brought against him, five years after the policeman’s death.
These charges came just two days after he left Thailand on a private jet via Singapore on April 25th of that year.
Currently, only one charge against the accused is enforceable in respect of dangerous driving causing the death of the police officer with a charge for cocaine abuse having lapsed in 2022. This final charge lapses in 2027.
The report delivered to the Prime Minister’s Office in August 2020 has never been made public but it is accepted that a concerted effort by some of those involved in the case was made to reduce the scope and severity of charges against the accused.
Commission’s submission to the Prime Minister’s Office made under the 2018 anti-corruption law and a duty to report to the minister’s direct superior
This week, the National Anti-Corruption Commission which had already issued findings some years ago, even before the controversy arose anew in 2020, against a large number of officers within the force suggesting minor disciplinary action be pursued over the affair, commented that the issues it has raised concerning the newly appointed minister are of a minor nature, with Secretary-General, Mr Niwatchai, making it clear that the offences it identifies were not serious but were being only raised under the legal duty imposed by Section 64 of the Organic Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption (2018), to the Prime Minister’s Office.
He highlighted that the determination by the body was not final and could be appealed with all those concerned having the right to prove their innocence in court.
The Boss Vorayuth or Red Bull scandal has bred widespread scepticism among the public in Thailand concerning the rule of law and the kingdom’s efforts to counter corruption.
Boss currently not listed on the Interpol Red Notice list of wanted people by Thai authorities published on the international police agency’s website
It emerged in 2020 that the fugitive, who is now 33 years old, was not listed on the Red List Notice published regularly by Interpol, despite assurances by the Royal Thai Police.
This was rectified when Mr Vorayuth’s name was again placed on the list and indeed for some time, it did appear on the international listing.
On Sunday, October 4th, 2020, a senior Royal Thai police spokesman confirmed that Mr Vorayuth’s name had been placed on the Red Notice list published by Interpol.
At the time, the officer repeated the determination of the police force to have the Red Bull scion arrested and brought back to Thailand to face charges.
Commission at pains to point out other people also cited in its report to the government including a former police chief and deputy attorney general
Currently, it appears that it has since been removed with the present Interpol listing showing only 15 Thai nationals, none of which is the young man who is heir to one of the kingdom’s largest fortunes.
On Thursday, the Secretary General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Niwatchai, explained that its referral of the current Minister for Education to the Prime Minister’s office was only being made as Prime Minister Srettha was the minister’s direct superior out of fidelity to the 2018 law on prevention and suppression of corruption.
Mr Niwatchai also noted that the Commission had made findings against the former National Police Chief, Police General Somyot Phumphanmuang, Former Deputy Attorney General Nate Natsuk and a range of other officials including former senior prosecutors, police officers and a member of the current Senate.
https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news- ... bull-case/
What are the chances that, even if there is a genuine concerted effort to put a stop to the rampant corruption, there will be appreciable success - especially when it all too often turns out that some whose job it is to stop corruption are themselves significantly corrupt?
Your guess is as good as mine, but lately day-after-day these kinds of stories are in the news.
Here are three more, published just today, September 19:
_______________________
Cops widen collusion probe
by Wassayos Ngamkham
September 19, 2023
Representatives from 20 firms which took part in bidding for state projects ultimately won by companies owned by Praween Chanklai, also known as Kamnak Nok, were questioned by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Monday.
The DSI is looking into the bidding for the construction of a section of Highway 375, which links Don Toom and Lam Luk Bua, back in 2017, as well as the section of Highway 375 which links Lam Luk Bua with Highway 346 in 2021.
An initial investigation suggests that a construction company owned by Mr Praween colluded with others to manipulate the bidding for the two projects.
Mr Praween's construction business became the focus of an investigation after he became a key suspect in the fatal shooting of highway policeman Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua at a dinner party at his house in Nakhon Pathom.
His firm won several road, building and bridge construction projects, and provided canal dredging services in Nakhon Pathom and several neighbouring provinces.
According to the DSI, 33 firms bought bid envelopes for the Don Toom-Lam Luk Bua project, but only four took part in the bidding. Thirty-two firms bought bid envelopes for the other project, but only three firms joined the bidding contest.
Pol Capt Surawut Rangsai, director of the DSI's division on collusion in state projects, said that these firms were summonsed for questioning as witnesses. The rest are scheduled to meet the DSI today and tomorrow.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday vowed to personally look into the alleged irregularities in projects carried out by the Interior Ministry. He said he would pay special attention to projects which went ahead despite numerous complaints.
National police chief, Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, said on Monday that strict screening would be in place after Mr Praween was revealed to be a member of Nakhon Pathom's provincial committee on monitoring police work.
Nakhon Pathom governor, Surasak Charoensirichote, said he had removed Mr Praween from the committee and that a probe was underway to figure out how he became a member.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... sion-probe
______________________________
Local mafia leader list takes shape
by Supoj Wancharoen
September 19, 2023
A nationwide screening of local leaders linked to influential mafia-like gangs is now 20-30% complete, with the database expected to be divided into coloured zones, said Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset.
The move was linked to the shooting of a highway police officer at a dinner party held at the home of Praween Chanklai, aka "Kamnan Nok", a local leader and construction business operator, on Sept 6, in Nakhon Pathom province.
Mr Chada, who was assigned by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to lead the screening, said on Monday that the committee, led by Mr Anutin, is gathering a list of suspected influential mafia-like politicians to scrutinise the power they wield over their area.
The list was now confidential due to legal reasons, namely the Personal Data Protection Act.
The names will lead to the decision to map local political influences by colour, such as red and yellow, and will provide fair treatment to every related agency.
"The list is now 20–30% done, and the collection is now targeted at kamnans and village heads before expanding its working spheres," said Mr Chada.
The mafia-like local figure inspection was included in a new set of Interior Ministry policies, discussed on Monday at the Rama Gardens Hotel.
The discussion was led by Mr Anutin and attended by deputy ministers Mr Chada, Kriang Kantinan, and Songsak Thongsri; the permanent secretary Suttiphong Julcharoen; and people from related sectors.
Mr Anutin said that the ministry will use political machinery not only to abolish public vices but also to manage society.
Regarding other highlighted policies, Mr Anutin said that the term "institutes' protection" meant any action that prioritised the preservation of those institutions.
He also said that the ministry will cooperate with local administrations, Metropolitan and Provincial Waterworks Authorities, and related sectors to standardise domestic tap water and make it fit for human consumption.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... akes-shape
__________________________________________________________________________________
Minister cited by the Corruption Commission for ‘minor’ role in Boss Vorayuth corruption scandal
by James Morris and Son Nguyen
September 18, 2023
The lack of action in the ‘Boss’ Vorayuth affair undermines confidence in the Rule of Law in Thailand. This is a notorious case that has received international press coverage because of the high-profile nature of the accused and the circumstances surrounding the death of a policeman on duty in September 2012. It remains to be seen if the new government of Srettha Thavisin will take up the issue or if it will continue to be ignored.
Amid a huge scandal and corruption case brewing over the operations of the Royal Thai Police in Nakhon Pathom, last week, the Prime Minister’s Office was also reminded of the ongoing controversy over the failure to arrest and prosecute the heir to the Red Bull fortune, a long-running sore which has significantly undermined confidence among the Thai public in the rule of law within the Kingdom.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), last week, sent a report implicating the newly appointed Minister of Education, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, for a ‘minor’ role in the controversy from his time as a senior policeman during the affair. It has also come to light that Mr Vorayuth Yoovidhya or ‘Boss’ is currently not featured on the Interpol Red Notice list of fugitives wanted by authorities in Thailand despite being placed on it by the Royal Thai Police in October 2020.
New Minister of Education Police General Permpoon Chidchob was cited in a report last week to the Prime Minister’s Office by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) under the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption Act 2018 related to the handling of the case involving fugitive from justice Vorayuth Yoovidhya or ‘Boss’ who fled Thailand in 2017, five years after being involved in the death of a policeman in September 2012.
On Wednesday, the Secretary General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Niwatchai Kasemmongkol revealed that a file had been sent to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin concerning individuals examined by the Commission when dealing with the controversy over the Red Bull scion Vorayuth Yoovidhya or ‘Boss’, who fled Thailand in 2017 ahead of criminal charges and continues to evade arrest and prosecution for the killing of 47-year-old Police Sergeant Wichian Klanprasert on the Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok in the early hours of September 3rd, 2012.
One of those examined by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and found to be at fault in the matter is the current Minister of Education, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, who was then a senior officer in the Royal Thai Police who had dealings in respect of the attempted prosecution of Mr Vorayuth.
Controversy blew up in 2020 when an attempt was made to drop all charges resulting in an explosive report to the PM confirming corruption at all levels
The controversy was the subject of a committee hearing before Parliament in 2020 after an assistant attorney general, Nate Natsuk, declined to pursue charges against the Red Bull heir and it subsequently emerged that attempts had been made to doctor the evidence in the case to suggest that blame for the incident lay with the deceased police officer.
This included efforts to deflect from Mr Vorayuth’s use of cocaine on the night preceding the incident and to suggest that his Ferrari supercar was travelling at a far slower pace.
At one point in July 2020, there were no charges against the then 30-year-old who would have been technically cleared to return home without fear of arrest.
Mr Vorayuth’s family is reputed to be one of the wealthiest in Thailand with a fortune generated by the Red Bull energy drink and worldwide brand.
Report prepared by former Corruption Commissioner in 2020 confirmed corruption was identified across the board over attempts to prosecute Boss
An explosive report on corruption delivered to the Prime Minister’s Office in August 2020 completed by Mr Vicha Mahakun, a former Anti-Corruption Commissioner, found extensive evidence of both failures of administration and corruption within the prosecution of the, by then 27-year-old Red Bull Air who fled Thailand after charges in connection with the death of the 47-year-old police officer were brought against him, five years after the policeman’s death.
These charges came just two days after he left Thailand on a private jet via Singapore on April 25th of that year.
Currently, only one charge against the accused is enforceable in respect of dangerous driving causing the death of the police officer with a charge for cocaine abuse having lapsed in 2022. This final charge lapses in 2027.
The report delivered to the Prime Minister’s Office in August 2020 has never been made public but it is accepted that a concerted effort by some of those involved in the case was made to reduce the scope and severity of charges against the accused.
Commission’s submission to the Prime Minister’s Office made under the 2018 anti-corruption law and a duty to report to the minister’s direct superior
This week, the National Anti-Corruption Commission which had already issued findings some years ago, even before the controversy arose anew in 2020, against a large number of officers within the force suggesting minor disciplinary action be pursued over the affair, commented that the issues it has raised concerning the newly appointed minister are of a minor nature, with Secretary-General, Mr Niwatchai, making it clear that the offences it identifies were not serious but were being only raised under the legal duty imposed by Section 64 of the Organic Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption (2018), to the Prime Minister’s Office.
He highlighted that the determination by the body was not final and could be appealed with all those concerned having the right to prove their innocence in court.
The Boss Vorayuth or Red Bull scandal has bred widespread scepticism among the public in Thailand concerning the rule of law and the kingdom’s efforts to counter corruption.
Boss currently not listed on the Interpol Red Notice list of wanted people by Thai authorities published on the international police agency’s website
It emerged in 2020 that the fugitive, who is now 33 years old, was not listed on the Red List Notice published regularly by Interpol, despite assurances by the Royal Thai Police.
This was rectified when Mr Vorayuth’s name was again placed on the list and indeed for some time, it did appear on the international listing.
On Sunday, October 4th, 2020, a senior Royal Thai police spokesman confirmed that Mr Vorayuth’s name had been placed on the Red Notice list published by Interpol.
At the time, the officer repeated the determination of the police force to have the Red Bull scion arrested and brought back to Thailand to face charges.
Commission at pains to point out other people also cited in its report to the government including a former police chief and deputy attorney general
Currently, it appears that it has since been removed with the present Interpol listing showing only 15 Thai nationals, none of which is the young man who is heir to one of the kingdom’s largest fortunes.
On Thursday, the Secretary General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Niwatchai, explained that its referral of the current Minister for Education to the Prime Minister’s office was only being made as Prime Minister Srettha was the minister’s direct superior out of fidelity to the 2018 law on prevention and suppression of corruption.
Mr Niwatchai also noted that the Commission had made findings against the former National Police Chief, Police General Somyot Phumphanmuang, Former Deputy Attorney General Nate Natsuk and a range of other officials including former senior prosecutors, police officers and a member of the current Senate.
https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news- ... bull-case/