Ex-Yasothon prosecutor arrested for 100,000 baht bribery charge

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

By Bright Choomanee

The Crime Suppression Division yesterday arrested former Yasothon province prosecutor, 67 year old Kongsiri, who failed to appear for a bribery verdict.

He allegedly accepted a 100,000 baht (US$2,930) bribe to assist a drug case suspect. The arrest occurred yesterday, February 2, at his residence in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Non district.

Kongsiri was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 3, dated December 26, 2023, for misuse of judicial power.

In 2001, while serving as a provincial prosecutor for the Yasothon Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, he was responsible for reviewing and recommending prosecution decisions based on investigation reports.

However, he abused his position by soliciting a bribe from a drug case suspect’s relatives to influence the case outcome.

After allegations emerged, Kongsiri was prosecuted according to legal procedures. When the case reached the Supreme Court, he failed to appear for the verdict, aware he faced a three-year, four-month prison sentence.

Consequently, he chose to abscond. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 3 issued an arrest warrant, and police were notified to locate him. Eventually, police discovered that Kongsiri was hiding in Bangkok, leading to his arrest, reported KhaoSod.

During questioning, Kongsiri confessed to the charges. He has been remanded to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 3 for further legal proceedings.