Woman Climbs Pole in Saraburi Provincial Hall in Protest Against Workplace Harassment

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A female government official staged a dramatic protest by climbing a 50-metre-high pole inside Saraburi Provincial Hall, claiming she had been subjected to workplace harassment and pressure from senior officials.

 

The tense situation unfolded on 14 March, when local police and rescue teams were alerted to the incident. Officers from Saraburi City Police Station, led by Police Colonel Suriyah Sudkangwan, rushed to the scene alongside members of the Sawang Saraburi Rescue Unit.

 

Rescue workers cautiously engaged with the woman, identified as Miss Netnapa, a procurement officer, who was visibly distressed. She stated that she had endured prolonged bullying and professional suppression at the hands of senior officials from a local municipal office.

 

During negotiations, she demanded media coverage, insisting that only if journalists reported her grievances would she agree to come down. After reassurances from officials that her story would be told, she descended safely and was taken to a conference room within the provincial hall.

 

In the meeting, chaired by Mr Yutthana Phothiwihok, Saraburi’s Permanent Secretary, Miss Netnapa explained that she had faced ongoing intimidation and professional marginalisation. She alleged that she had been excluded from key responsibilities, pressured to approve questionable projects, and threatened when she refused to comply.

 

She cited an example of a poorly constructed public toilet in Moo 6, where the contractor delivered only a roof frame and partial walls, without essential facilities. When she raised concerns during a municipal council meeting, she was told: “The contractor delivered what they were paid for.”

 

Another case involved a wireless speaker installation project with a 90-day completion deadline, which she suspected was designed to benefit specific contractors. When she refused to approve the project via the municipal office’s online chat group, she faced severe reprimands and increasing pressure.

 

Miss Netnapa revealed that she had filed complaints with several agencies, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the State Audit Office, and the Damrongtham Centre. However, her concerns were ignored, and no investigations were pursued.

 

She also served as a key witness in an ongoing case against the mayor, who had been accused of soliciting bribes from contractors. Despite the case being under review by the public prosecutor, the mayor remained in office, allegedly exerting further pressure on those involved in the case.

 

According to Mrs Nongyao, a municipal council member, tensions within the municipality had persisted for over two years, particularly between procurement officers and senior executives. She claimed that Miss Netnapa had been systematically targeted due to her role as a witness in the corruption case.

 

“She has been struggling for two years since her conflict with the deputy permanent secretary began. She felt trapped, powerless, and saw no way out. That’s why she resorted to this extreme measure to make her voice heard,” Mrs Nongyao said.

 

During the meeting, Mr Yutthana Phothiwihok assured that the province would launch a full investigation. He promised a thorough review of Miss Netnapa’s allegations.

 

Officials affirmed that her claims would not be ignored, and justice would be pursued to ensure transparency and fairness within the municipal office.

 

-- 2025-03-16