Former Pathum Thani PAO Official Faces Arrest Warrant Over No-Show

In a significant development yesterday, the Saraburi Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct issued an arrest warrant following the unexpected absence of Decha Puangngam, a former Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) official. Decha failed to attend a pivotal court session regarding a high-profile corruption case, prompting the judge to take firm action.

The court was set to deliver a verdict on a corruption case involving Charn Puangpet, the former president of the Pathum Thani PAO, and six other defendants. The charges, brought by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), centre on alleged fraudulent procurement of relief bags during the 2011 flood crisis, amounting to several million baht.

Though all defendants but one appeared in court, Decha Puangngam, the third defendant, submitted a last-minute request to defer his attendance, citing health concerns. However, the court assessed that Decha’s illness did not justify his absence, interpreting the move as an intentional evasion. As a result, the judge issued an arrest warrant for him, alongside imposing the full penalty on his bail guarantor.

With Decha absent, the court session could not proceed as planned. Consequently, the hearing has now been rescheduled for October 24 at 9am, where the long-awaited verdict is expected to be delivered. This case underscores the court's stringent stance on accountability within corruption proceedings.

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